Derby County Swoop ‘May Not Be Totally Dead’ | OneFootball

Derby County Swoop ‘May Not Be Totally Dead’ | OneFootball

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Inside Futbol

·15 August 2026

Derby County Swoop ‘May Not Be Totally Dead’

Article image:Derby County Swoop ‘May Not Be Totally Dead’

Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Derby County’s swoop for Crystal Palace midfielder David Ozoh may not be completely dead yet.


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The Rams have settled well in the Championship, following their promotion from League One in the 2024/25 season.

John Eustace has done a commendable job at Pride Park and hopes are high that Derby can kick on again this season, especially with the playoff spots going down to eighth.

Derby have signed the likes of Filip Bilbija and Charlie Taylor, while Bobby Clark’s loan has also been made permanent.

They have also just snapped up midfielder Alex Mowatt, though there is some debate over just what level of fee has been paid to West Brom.

Article image:Derby County Swoop ‘May Not Be Totally Dead’

Ozoh is another midfielder Derby have been keen to sign this summer, bringing back a player who has had two positive loan spells at Pride Park.

The move for Ozoh though has been looking unlikely to happen amid uncertainties over possible investment into the football club, with a takeover bid recently collapsing.

Ozoh’s move though could potentially still happen.

Journalist Alan Nixon wrote on X: “Ozoh may not be totally dead all the same.”

Article image:Derby County Swoop ‘May Not Be Totally Dead’

The Valencia-born midfield talent has 13 official appearances under his belt at Crystal Palace, but could struggle to add to that this season.

Ozoh saw injury disrupt his first loan at Derby, but in his second stint he clocked 35 appearances for the Rams over all competitions.

His midfield pivot with ex-Liverpool man Clark was hailed by one former Derby man, and the Rams are trying to restore that partnership again this season.

Derby’s league season starts this afternoon against Charlton Athletic and it remains to be seen if they can get Ozoh in through the door before the transfer window closes.

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