Ebiowei targets fresh start as free agent forward signs two-year Crawley Town deal

Former Crystal Palace forward Malcolm Ebiowei has signed a two-year contract with EFL League Two side Crawley Town after leaving Blackpool as a free agent.

Crawley confirmed the deal on their official website, announcing the arrival of the 22-year-old attacker as he looks to relaunch a career that began with high promise at youth level in England and Nigeria.

Ebiowei became available after his contract with Blackpool was terminated in September 2025, and Crawley are banking on his pace and creativity to strengthen their attacking options over the next two seasons.

Arsenal academy graduate with Nigerian roots
Born in England to Nigerian parents, Ebiowei came through Arsenal’s famed Hale End Academy, where he built a reputation as one of the most highly regarded young forwards of his age group.

His dual eligibility saw him involved with Nigeria’s youth set-up, training with the Golden Eaglets during camps held in Turkey and Abuja.

Those showings earned him a place in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the 2019 FIFA U17 World Cup, although he did not make the final list for the tournament.

Rise at Derby and move to the Premier League
Ebiowei’s senior breakthrough arrived at Derby County, where he forced his way into the first team during the 2021-22 season with a series of eye-catching performances.

That form led to a move to Premier League club Crystal Palace, a step up that underlined his growing reputation but did not translate into regular top-flight minutes.

Loan spells in search of game time
With opportunities at Selhurst Park limited, Ebiowei was sent out on loan to Hull City in the Championship, Belgian side RWD Molenbeek and later Oxford United, as he sought consistent game time and experience across different competitions.

Despite those temporary moves, he was unable to establish himself as a long-term option at Crystal Palace, and his subsequent departure from Blackpool left him looking for a new platform.

Rebuild mission at Crawley Town
Ebiowei now joins Crawley Town aiming to rebuild his career and demonstrate his quality at professional level, with the club hopeful his attacking instincts can add another dimension to their frontline.

The League Two outfit will look to tap into the potential first seen at Arsenal and Derby, as Ebiowei attempts to translate his early promise into sustained impact in the English Football League.