Malcolm Ebiowei’s Sad Decline: Arsenal Wonderkid to Derby Star – and a Brutal Blackpool Exit

Malcolm Ebiowei’s Sad Decline: Arsenal Wonderkid to Derby Star – and a Brutal Blackpool Exit

Malcolm Ebiowei’s sad career continues to decline after League One side Blackpool recently released him. The 22-year-old only joined the Tangerines on August 5, however, a personal matter has left him heading to the exit doors after just three league appearances – all of which coming off the bench.

It has been a very sad decline in fortunes for Ebiowei, going from a Hale End graduate and a superstar at Derby County, to a poor spell at Hull and a brutal exit from Blackpool. There is no doubt Ebiowei’s career is now going in a completely different direction to what he expected, but there may still be hope, with Scottish Premiership outfit Kilmarnock considering a move for the young winger.

Signs of Early Promise: Arsenal and Derby Chapters

From the age of just five, Ebiowei was always going to get a chance at Premier League football. Chelsea signed the sought-after winger, where he was based for six years, before heading to North London where he joined Arsenal’s Hale End academy at the age of 11.

His success in the Gunners youth system earned him an opportunity and a debut for the u18 side in the 2019/20 season. This debut came about following Ebiowei’s incredible form for the u16s, where he bagged three goals and recorded three assists. This was the peak of the campaign for Ebiowei, as he was soon released from the club.

The then 17-year-old then headed to Scotland, where he was based briefly for one season, before joining Championship and Midlands outfit Derby County the following year. It was at the Rams where he once again proved why he had many eyes laid on him by some of the biggest clubs in the country.

2019 - Released by Arsenal

2019 - Rejected by West Ham

2021 - Let go by Rangers

18-year-old Malcolm Ebiowei got man of the match for Derby last weekend.

Just look at him trying to hide his smile after getting his award ❤️❤️#DCFC
pic.twitter.com/yEv3E0LwxE

— Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod) March 25, 2022

Initially playing in the u18’s at Pride Park, it didn’t take long for Ebiowei to catch the attention of then-head coach Wayne Rooney, following his highly impressive performances in the U18 Premier League and Premier League Cups, where he scored 10 goals in just nine matches.

This spectacular run of form led to Rooney handing the then-18-year-old a senior debut in February 2022. The Rams starlet went on to make 16 appearances that campaign in what was easily his most successful season to date as a professional footballer. During this period, Ebiowei also registered what is only senior goal to date, when he scored at the home of his most recent club, Blackpool.

The Calm Before the Storm – Premier League Debut to the Rapid Decline

Following Ebiowei’s promising start to senior football, his reward was a trip back to London, as he headed to Selhurst Park, signing for Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace on a five-year contract. Despite taking similar paths to the likes of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze before him, Ebiowei’s peak unfortunately stayed attached to the move itself, rather than becoming a Premier League star.

After featuring five times for the Eagles in the first half of the 2022/23 season in both the top-flight and the EFL Cup, he made a January switch back to the second tier, turning out for Liam Rosenior’s Hull City. This was the start of the decline for winger, as he failed to make an impact in his 12 Championship appearances.

Patrick Vieira, happy with Malcolm Ebiowei’s impact at Crystal Palace. No plan to let him leave on loan, as of now - Ebiowei could really have a chance at Palace already this year. 🔴🔵 #CPFC

Vieira wants to work closely with Ebiowei to become an important player for the future. pic.twitter.com/M2seJgkhjc

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 24, 2022

For the following two seasons, he headed out to Belgian side RWDM Brussels then Oxford United, where he played 11 times combined whilst still failing to find any more goals – his only contribution was a singular assist in Belgium.

These failed loan moves meant an end to his time in South London before he joined Steve Bruce’s seasiders in early August. Four impact-less substitute appearances in all competitions later, Malcolm Ebiowei has now been left without a club just a month into the new season after ex-Hull boss Bruce was happy to let go of him.

📝 𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗘: Blackpool have signed Malcolm Ebiowei from Crystal Palace.

🔸 Undisclosed fee.
🔸 2-year deal.

(Source: @BlackpoolFC) pic.twitter.com/PmA7P9IBMg

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 5, 2025

What Does the Future Hold?

These kinds of career moves failing time after time do start to take a toll on a professional footballer’s mental health, so rejuvenating his career after the lowest of low points is going to be very difficult for the 22-year-old.

As aforementioned, Scottish outfit Kilmarnock do seem to be considering a move to sign the free agent, which could offer the perfect opportunity for him – him moving away from England will also take both eyes and pressure off him, which potentially could enable him to express himself more and play freely.

It has been a rollercoaster for Ebiowei so far in his short career, but as fans we all hope there are more positive twists yet to come in this tale.