Former Gunner leaves Crystal Palace for League One club | OneFootball

Former Arsenal academy talent Malcolm Ebiowei has left Crystal Palace in a permanent transfer to League One side Blackpool FC.

Photo via BlackpoolFC.co.uk

Six years ago, then-Arsenal youngster Malcolm Ebiowei was starting to make a big impression in academy football.

Just 15 years old at the time, Ebiowei had broken into the Arsenal u18s, and with his strong youth performances it looked like only a matter of time before he was promoted into the u21s and beyond.

Playing on the right with a strong left foot, there were inevitable comparisons between the teenager and Bukayo Saka. There was even a three-way battle for his international allegiance between the Netherlands, England, and Nigeria.

Yet things fell apart behind the scenes at Arsenal, and the player didn’t even end up signing a scholarship deal. Instead, he joined Rangers’ u18s, then made his breakthrough into senior football with Derby County.

Photo via Rangers.co.uk

Derby were going through a difficult time financially, so less than a year later Ebiowei was on the move again. There was significant interest in his signature from Premier League clubs, with Manchester United and Crystal Palace battling it out to bring him in.

Ultimately, Palace won the race, agreeing a five-year contract to 2027. Some fans may remember the player then making his Palace debut against Arsenal in the Premier League a month later. He was 18 at the time, and Patrick Vieira was the Palace head coach.

Ebiowei’s rise to Premier League football was often painted as a missed opportunity for Arsenal, but it hasn’t panned out quite as planned for the youngster since then.

Photo via Instagram / MalcolmEbiowei

After three years, three loans, zero senior goals and one assist, Palace have decided to cash in on Ebiowei, selling him to League One Blackpool FC. The 21-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the club.

“I’m really grateful to be able to work under someone like Steve Bruce, and can’t wait to get going,” Ebiowei said of the transfer.

“The conversations we had were nothing but positive and I’m really looking forward to the future here and playing in front of the supporters.”

Ebiowei will hope that by dropping down the divisions, he can find a consistent role in the Blackpool team and eventually work his way back up.