“On the way to being a Premier League footballer” – Fulham eye Derby County transfer raid: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict’ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Fulham have joined the race for Derby County winger Malcolm Ebiowei, according to a report from The Sun. 

The 18-year-old’s contract at Pride Park expires next month and there are a host of clubs said to be interested, including Leeds United, Tottenham, and the Craven Cottage outfit.

But would he be a good signing for Fulham? And do they need him?

We quizzed our FLW writers for their thoughts…

Marcus Ally

Malcolm Ebiowei needs to have the right people around him at this time, to ensure that the best club for his development is chosen this summer.

Ten league starts in senior football is such a small sample size to try and judge where he should go, however, it has been made abundantly clear in his performances, that the 18-year-old is a capable Championship winger.

Therefore, if the Cottagers sign him this summer, it should be with the view to loaning him to the second tier next season.

Ebiowei is not Premier League ready just yet, he is still too raw and would not be suited to a team that could have as little of the ball as Fulham may have next season.

But long term it would be a great coup and regular game time in the Championship should be the priority next term.

George Dagless

He’s obviously a bright talent but I would say he has to be considered one for the future rather than one that’s going to come into Fulham’s attacking line-up from next season in the Premier League.

The Lilywhites have some top attacking players in their ranks and so it’s difficult to obviously see Ebiowei moving one of them out of the