David Ozoh has officially completed his loan transfer from Crystal Palace to Derby County.

As Crystal Palace prepares for their friendly against Crawley this Saturday, they will do so without David Ozoh. The 19-year-old midfielder, who made a notable impact in his senior appearances last season, is moving to Derby County for the 2024/25 season to gain more regular playing time.

This move had been anticipated, with numerous Championship clubs reportedly interested in Ozoh over the past few weeks.

Following the confirmation of his loan to Derby on Wednesday, Ozoh shared his reasons for the move in an interview with Derby’s club media.

“It’s a big club with a rich history, and I felt it was the best place to advance my career. The manager, Paul Warne, was very welcoming from our first conversation. I discussed it with my family and felt Derby was the right choice.

“After speaking with Warne, I immediately told my agent, ‘This is the club I want to join.’ They made me feel very welcome.”

Ozoh appears pleased with his decision, which should also be encouraging for Crystal Palace. A successful loan spell could see Ozoh return as a key consideration for manager Glasner next year.

Reflecting on his time at Crystal Palace, Ozoh acknowledged the frustrations of the previous season. Despite performing well when given the opportunity, he felt he didn’t get enough chances to play regularly, which is crucial for a young player’s development.

“Last season, I played a few games and spent a lot of time on the bench, which was frustrating. I’m really happy to be here now,” Ozoh said during his interview.

The hope is that Ozoh will have a more fulfilling experience at Derby, gaining valuable senior football experience and returning to Crystal Palace next summer ready to make a significant impact.