Derby County have completed some impressive signings so far this summer, and the return of a familiar face will be another bonus for John Eustace.
Derby County flirted with relegation to League One throughout the 2024/25 Championship campaign, but managed to dodge the dreaded drop.
John Eustace arrived as Rams boss in February, and after proving pivotal to Derby’s second tier survival, has shown his intent to improve on last season’s feat within the transfer window.
Currently, Derby have made six summer signings. Eustace is now looking for his seventh recruit of the summer transfer window, as Derby are “close” to bringing a familiar face back to Pride Park ahead of the 2025/26 Championship campaign.
Derby County are set to re-sign David Ozoh on loan from Crystal Palace
After Derby avoided relegation on the final day last season, the Rams have signalled their intent to move up the Championship table in the upcoming campaign, with the imminent re-signing of Crystal Palace starlet David Ozoh.
Central midfielder Ozoh featured 12 times for Derby last season, with a thigh injury suffered in a defeat to Millwall in late February sidelining the 20-year-old for the remainder of the season.
Derby suffered in the relegation scrap as a result of losing the Eagles starlet, but now the Rams are poised to enjoy his exploits for another year.
Telegraph reporter John Percy revealed on X: “DCFC are close to re-signing Crystal Palace midfielder David Ozoh on loan for the season.
“Ozoh expected to complete his return to Derby later this week”.
Despite limited game time under Eustace, after his arrival came only nine days before Ozoh’s injury, the Derby boss is well aware of the “qualities” that the Palace academy graduate possesses.
What John Eustace said about David Ozoh during his Derby County loan
Ozoh will have unfinished business at Derby after his loan stint last season was cut short through injury.
In a testament to his abilities, Eustace was left impressed by the young Englishman despite only being able to work with Ozoh for a “short period”.
As quoted by Derbyshire Live, Eustace said in February: “He (David Ozoh) is a fantastic player.
“In my short period of working with him, you can see he has great qualities. He is a lovely lad and he will be great around the rest of the players now.
“We didn’t want to lose him because of his manner and personality.”
Ozoh’s standout display in a Derby shirt came in his dominant display during the 3-0 victory over Bristol City in the opening stages of last season, and Eustace will be hoping for similar form next term from the Palace loanee.
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