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Derby County have now made seven signings this summer.
David Ozoh has made his return to the Rams after an injury-hit campaign in 2024/25, with the Crystal Palace midfielder making just 10 appearances in the Championship as his side avoided relegation on the final day of the season.
Nevertheless, he has reunited with his good friend Ebou Adams, and he will be hoping to get up to speed as quickly as possible under the guidance of John Eustace.
It’s an exciting signing for Derby, and the 20-year-old has spoken to the club’s media about just how prepared he is for the new season and why he decided to come back to the East Midlands.
David Ozoh opens up as he signs for Derby County once again
The excellent performances of Harrison Armstrong last season ensured that Ozoh was not missed too much, but the Rams and the Valencia-born star have a second chance in 2025/26.
It’s a move that few saw coming a week ago, but he impressed greatly when he was on the pitch, and the midfielder has explained why he has returned to Pride Park.
He said (via: Rams TV): “I’m just excited to be back. I felt like I had unfinished business so I’m happy to be back. I just wanted to play games again this season, so it was a decision I made last season because I didn’t play many games.
“I had a couple of conversations with the gaffer at the end of last season. He was telling me he wanted me to do this, that – it’s important to have a relationship with the manager. I just really wanted to come back and finish what I started last season. It had to be here – there was nowhere else I wanted to go.
“It was everything, I enjoyed everything. I settled in very quickly, the fans welcomed me very well, the players as well, the staff. Paul Warne, and John Eustace now. They have all been amazing to me, so it was a no brainer to come back. John, from the first day he came in, made me feel like a key player in the team – that’s important, being somewhere where I’m wanted.
“Unfinished business will be my saying this season. That’s how I’m going to play – I have a lot to show. Last season was frustrating with my injuries, and I want to remove that injury tag that I have on my name. I’m excited to be here and play games. I feel good, I’ve played a couple of matches in pre-season and I’ve trained more than I did towards the end of last season.”
John Eustace is starting to build his midfield
Liam Thompson earned a new two-year deal for his performances last season, and he will be raring to go, while Adams will once again be the midfield general for Eustace.
Kenzo Goudmijn may hope that a formation change allows him to feature more frequently, and Ozoh will have a huge impact on the levels of all those at Pride Park.
Derby started the campaign playing well, and much of that was due to their loanee’s presence in the middle of the park. The Rams’ performances started to fall apart when he sustained his first injury and replacing him was tough.
As Ozoh said himself, there is ‘unfinished business’ this season, and if he remains fit, then a top-half finish could be on the cards in the East Midlands.