David Ozoh is surely feeling a bit down amid rumours currently emerging from Crystal Palace.
The 19-year-old made a real name for himself in the 2023/24 campaign, notably arriving on the scene to help us fight back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
It was a remarkable performance from the teenager – one Jeffrey Schlupp even brought up recently when praising his Crystal Palace teammate in April.
The Crystal Palace No.52 also seems to hold immense passion for the Eagles, telling the club’s official website: “I just love playing for the club, for the badge, for the fans. I want to do it again and again and again.”
Now – however – there are rumours that may cause David Ozoh to feel a bit deflated…
Why David Ozoh might be feeling down at Crystal Palace
Sadly, it does not sound as if Oliver Glasner has the Valencia-born prospect in his thinking for the 2024/25 campaign, amid a barrage of transfer rumours linking Crystal Palace to central midfielders.
Ozoh was already struggling for action under the Austrian, playing just 21 minutes of Premier League football since he replaced Roy Hodgson.
Now, competition for places could increase.
A story by Gazet van Antwerpen claims that Dougie Freedman has been left charmed by Club Brugge No.15 Raphael Onyedika – a defensive midfielder who has just been named Player of the Month at the Belgian side.
Furthermore – according to London World – there is also said to be interest in Leicester No.25 Wilfred Ndidi, another player who operates in central midfield.
Additionally, a story from Fotospor in Turkey mentioned that Crystal Palace are keen to sign Trabzonspor No.6 Batista Mendy, and the French defensive midfielder is keen on a move to Selhurst Park.
Therefore, the fact Glasner and Freedman seem focused on signing a new central midfielder – despite already having Ozoh in SE25 – would suggest the youngster is not being viewed as someone who can step up to become a regular starter.
To make matters worse for the Crystal Palace academy graduate, Cheick Doucoure will also return to full fitness in time for the 2024/25 campaign, ensuring competition for playing time becomes even fiercer.
Eagles must not repeat Jesurun Rak-Sakyi mistake
If Ozoh is not going to play much next season, Crystal Palace have to find him a loan move, something we failed to do last summer as Jesurun Rak-Sakyi wasted a crucial year of development.
The Crystal Palace No.49 shone on loan at Charlton in the 2022/23 campaign with 15 goals in 43 appearances in League One.
Leicester even wanted to sign Rak-Sakyi on loan as a result of his efforts at the Valley, according to the Telegraph, although the 21-year-old was kept at Selhurst Park as a mere reserve option to provide depth.
Hopefully, Freedman can find sensible loan moves for Ozoh and Rak-Sakyi this summer, if the talented duo are not in Glasner’s plans.
The post David Ozoh is surely upset by rumours emerging from Crystal Palace - opinion appeared first on We are Palace.