Championship side Derby County are expected to announce the return of Crystal Palace midfielder David Ozoh this week.

The 20-year-old made only 12 appearances for the Rams in an injury-ridden loan spell last season but is set to rejoin the club temporarily.

Ozoh was only available for one game under head coach John Eustace after his appointment in February but a deal for his return is expected to be completed later this week, as reported by the Telegraph’s John Percy.

Rams close in on Ozoh reunion

After initially signing for the club in August 2024, the Spanish-born midfielder started well, including scoring his first senior goal against Bristol City, but his spell was ruined by a succession of hamstring, quad and thigh injuries that ended his season in February.

He made his debut against Eustace’s Blackburn Rovers in the opening game of the 2024/25 campaign and, despite only featuring in a 1-0 defeat to Millwall under Eustace, he impressed enough for the Rams to want to bring him back to Pride Park Stadium.

After coming through Crystal Palace’s academy, he made his debut for the Eagles in the 2022/23 Premier League season and became their youngest-ever player in the competition.

12 appearances followed in the next campaign before his loan to the Championship side, where he featured consistently alongside fellow central midfielders Kenzo Goudmijn and Ebou Adams at the start of the season.

Both players remain at the club and Ozoh could link up with them again in a starting role.

The youngster signed his professional contract at Palace aged just 17 and has also earned youth caps for England U18s.

How impressive was he in his limited appearances last season?

In his 10 second-tier matches for the Rams, Ozoh showed his ability as a ball-winning midfielder in a two or three-man midfield.

He excelled at winning tackles (3.08 per 90) and passes blocked (1.79 per 90), as well as ranking in the club’s top five for fouls drawn, interceptions and ball recoveries per 90.

When compared against the whole league, no player, with a minimum of 90 minutes played in the season, won more tackles per game than Ozoh, according to FBref.

This ball-recovery ability will be important to how Derby play throughout the season so it is clear why Eustace wants to bring him back to the club.

Season of hope for Derby

In Eustace’s first transfer window since being placed in charge, the Rams have recruited well with several established Championship players, as well as exciting American striker Patrick Agyemang, who sealed a move for a reported value of £5.8 million.

The signings of Carlton Morris, Danny Batth and Andreas Weimann will bring vital second-tier experience to the club and the loan arrival of Liverpool’s Owen Beck is an impressive addition.

Veteran goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell has also been brought in to act as third-choice and will be a model example to youngsters in the dressing room.

Whilst the wide attacking positions may be an area he still targets, Eustace now has a well-rounded squad to work with and last season’s fears over their safety should be banished ahead of a promising season.