Burnley
Blackburn Rovers
Coventry City
Derby County
Leeds United
Luton Town
Middlesbrough
Millwall
Norwich City
Portsmouth
Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield United
QPR
Derby County are coming closer to their seventh signing of the summer, and their second loanee of the transfer window.
John Eustace loves David Ozoh, and after a bitterly disappointing campaign for the midfielder in 2024/25, he is set to return to the Rams by the end of the week.
Injuries plagued the powerful 20-year-old last term, and he suffered two separate long-term issues that eventually saw his season end early.
However, after a summer of recovery, Ozoh is set to join Derby once again, as per John Percy. But, fans are slightly concerned about his past injury record at Pride Park.
- READ MORE – Callum Paterson makes ‘massive club’ claim to Sheffield Wednesday fans amid MK Dons switch
Derby County fans are worried about David Ozoh’s past injury issues
The Crystal Palace youngster made just 10 appearances for the Rams in the Championship, but he was excellent throughout those games, with his performance against Bristol City his best showing.
Yet, there will always be that underlying concern that he may struggle for consistent minutes once again, and supporters have flagged this as an issue, despite his obvious qualities.
A second Derby fan said: “We saw flashes of what Ozoh can do in central midfield last season and there’s plenty to be excited about. He’s had a severe injury, it happens, particularly with wholehearted players. Delighted he wants to return to show us his worth.”
While another put: “I actually think this is a very good signing, great player when fit. The key thing is keeping him fit.”
A fifth Rams supporter wrote: “If he can stay fit he will be a superb signing.”
But a sixth fan was extremely positive: “When we had Kenzo [Goudmijn], [Ebou] Adams and Ozoh playing last season we looked very, very good. I like this.”
- READ MORE – John Eustace tells Derby County duo they have a ‘big part to play’ this season, his ‘standards’ will be high
David Ozoh will feel as though he has a point to prove
It’s been clear to see in pre-season that Derby have lacked a solid holding midfielder who can operate next to Ebou Adams, and who better to fill that role than someone who has already done it before.
The Rams missed Ozoh throughout 2024/25, and had it not been the incredible performances of Harrison Armstrong, they may have tasted relegation to League One.
Eustace will be working with the Valencia-born ace to ensure that these injury issues do not arise once again and he will go through plenty of conditioning to ensure that he does not suffer a similar fate if the move does come off.
If Ozoh can maintain fitness, Derby will be putting themselves in contention for a mid-table finish, after only avoiding relegation on the final day of the last campaign.