Crystal Palace know that things are going to change this year, with Oliver Glasner leaving at the end of his contract in June and Jean-Philippe Mateta likely to be sold after the mayhem of the January transfer window.
This has been a more testing campaign for the Eagles than 2024/25, with Glasner's squad stretched as they compete in the Conference League and under threat of being pulled into a relegation battle in the Premier League, one win in 11, though still eight points ahead of 18th-place West Ham United.
However, these aren't the only changes set to be rung, with Daichi Kamada another who is preparing for life after Selhurst Park when his contract expires this summer.
Why Palace are letting Kamada leave
Kamada arrived on a free transfer and he will leave when that same contract expires. There are no conversations around extending his time in south London, report Sky Sports, and it's news that has been met with some consternation from supporters.
Daichi Kamada for Crystal Palace
A versatile and dynamic midfielder, Kamada's intelligence and industrious attitude have seen him become a key part of the success under Glasner's wing, starting his Premier League career in an advanced role but quickly sinking deeper, toward the heart of the midfield, thriving once again under the manager who led him to the Europa League title at Eintracht Frankfurt.
Chairman Steve Parish has decided not to renew the 29-year-old's contract. He's still a valuable member of the squad, having started 14 times in the Premier League this season, making 2.7 tackles and winning 4.9 duels per game in the Premier League, underlining his importance.
While someone like Adam Wharton is already riding the crest of a wave in the middle of the park, the Eagles are going to need more quality and depth, and though signing a new recruit is bound to be on the agenda, they might just have the perfect replacement currently playing out on loan.
Palace already have a Kamada replacement
Despite an injury-hit start to life on the major stage, David Ozoh has established himself as a bright talent who could become a mainstay down the line.
ozoh-derby
Currently into the second year of a two-term loan spell with Derby County in the Championship, the 20-year-old has been hailed for his tenacity and combative defending in the middle of the park, with many of a Rams persuasion sure to tell you that he's one of the best midfielders in the division.
Ozoh has already featured 13 times for Crystal Palace's senior side, and with a wealth of experience for the U21s before refining his skills on the major stage with Derby, he could become a star in Kamada's role next season.
Of course, said to be out of contract this summer, it's one that Parish and co will need to sort out sooner rather than later.
David Ozoh in the Championship
Stats (per 90)
Matches (starts)
Goals + Assists
Touches*
Accurate passes*
Chances created*
Succ. dribbles*
Ball recoveries*
Tackles + interceptions*
Duels won*
Data via Sofascore
His potential is startling. Though there's undoubtedly been a drop-off since the 2024/25 season, Ozoh has shown that he has the quality to become a leading Premier League midfielder, capable of producing incredible defensive numbers while covering plenty of ground and keeping it crisp on the ball.
In this, he could actually develop into Wharton's perfect partner at the heart of Palace's midfield, allowing the technically gifted star to develop his playmaking qualities.
Moreover, since the England international cut his teeth in the Championship with Blackburn Rovers, there's every chance that the Eagles could replicate their success with Ozoh, who might be a coveted man in Derby but who would surely commit his long term future to Selhurst Park if given assurances over playing time and a pathway to the top.
david-ozoh-crystal-palace
Losing Kamada this summer would be a tough pill to swallow, but in Ozoh, the club might just find they have a shrewd replacement with the tools to develop into quite the upgrade.
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