Derby County: David Ozoh transfer truth revealed over finances in Crystal Palace deal | OneFootball

Derby County worked late into the transfer window to sign the midfielder.

Derby County worked late into transfer deadline day, securing the signing of defensive midfielder David Ozoh from Crystal Palace, and the fee to complete it has now been revealed.

The 21-year-old became the Rams' ninth addition of the window, which also included the arrivals of Bobby Clark, Alex Mowatt and Charlie Taylor.

Ozoh spent the last two seasons on loan at Pride Park and became a first-team regular during the last campaign, making 33 league appearances as John Eustace's side finished eighth.

Now the midfielder has arrived in the East Midlands on a permanent basis as the details of the transfer have been revealed.

Details of David Ozoh's transfer to Derby County revealed

It always feels like a hectic deadline day, but yesterday felt particularly chaotic as clubs up and down the football pyramid tried to complete last-minute deals.

Derby's pursuit of Ozoh was revealed in the early afternoon, although the club only confirmed his signing in the early hours of the morning.

The defensive midfielder came through Palace's academy but only made 13 senior appearances for the club, with most of those coming in the 2023/24 Premier League season.

Given that the 21-year-old spent two campaigns on loan at Pride Park, it always felt like he might rock up in the East Midlands again, and now he has the chance to build his career with the Rams.

It has been revealed that Ozoh has signed a five-year deal for a fee of around £4million, according to BBC Derby Sport, making him the second-highest addition of the summer after Clark.

David Ozoh bulks up strong Derby County midfield

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Eustace's men delivered a timely win at Portsmouth last night, their first victory of the campaign, to relieve any early pressure.

Mowatt and Oscar Fraulo both performed well in the hub of Derby's midfield, with the Dane providing an assist, while Clark showed everyone why he is rated so highly, setting up Sammie Szmodics.

Ozoh was a regular in Eustace's first team last term, although he was in and out of the starting XI at times and suffered a thigh problem that kept him out for 11 successive league games.

However, he certainly showed his class in possession, ranking in the top four per cent of Championship defensive midfielders for successful passes and long balls, according to Fotmob.

While he may not instantly come into Eustace's team, he will play a pivotal part in the Rams' season and offers them something different to what they already have.

How Derby County fans have reacted to David Ozoh news

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Judging from the reaction on social media, it is evident that Ozoh's arrival has gone down extremely well among the Rams faithful, and so has the general all-round business

Another County supporter was in jubilant mood after the Ozoh addition.

This Derby fan believes they've landed a real bargain in Ozoh.

Many also offered significant praise towards owner David Clowes, with some comparing him to Santa Claus.