Crystal Palace are prepared to part ways with powerful striker Ademola Ola-Adebomi at the end of the season, with several English Football League clubs reportedly monitoring the situation. The 21 year old, who joined Palace’s academy at the age of eight, will enter the final year of his contract on July 1, 2025.
Despite not making a senior appearance yet, Ola-Adebomi has been involved in four matchday squads and has impressed consistently for the club’s development team. Since returning from a short loan stint at Belgian side SK Beveren—where he made eight appearances he has scored nine goals in ten matches for Palace’s U21s and earned a nomination for the Premier League 2 Player of the Month in February.
Ola-Adebomi, who trained with Nigeria’s Flying Eagles ahead of the 2023 U20 AFCON but didn’t make the final squad, is regarded as a physically imposing, left footed centre-forward with strong link up play. Palace are reportedly open to offers as they look to reshape their squad and provide the striker with a chance at regular senior football.
His recall from Belgium in January due to limited playing time now appears to have been a turning point, with his goal-scoring form reigniting interest in his long-term potential.
Editorial
Ademola Ola-Adebomi’s journey mirrors that of many talented academy graduates stuck at the intersection between promise and opportunity. Crystal Palace have clearly nurtured a technically sound, physically gifted forward—but without first-team chances, talent risks stagnation.
We believe Palace’s willingness to sell might actually be in the best interest of the player. While his nine goals in ten games for the development squad scream readiness, continued time in the U21s can only do so much. At 21, the clock is ticking for meaningful senior minutes, and a move to a Championship or League One side could be the perfect launchpad.
It’s worth remembering that many great forwards began their ascent with a well-timed move down the pyramid. If Ola-Adebomi lands at a club with a system that suits his playing style physical, direct, and reliant on a powerful number 9 he could explode in the right environment.
This is also a moment of reflection for Nigerian football authorities. The striker showed early intent to align with the national team by training with the Flying Eagles. As his career transitions to senior football, Nigeria must keep the door open and the communication line active.
Ademola Ola-Adebomi has all the tools. All he needs now is the right platform. If the EFL offers that, both club and country could soon reap the rewards.
Did You Know?
- Ademola Ola-Adebomi was scouted by Crystal Palace at age 8 during a grassroots tournament in South London.
- He is one of the few left-footed strikers in Palace’s academy known for scoring with both feet and his head.
- Ola-Adebomi's Belgian club, SK Beveren, was once owned by the same investment group behind Sunderland AFC.
- He scored a hat-trick against Arsenal U21s in Premier League 2 during the 2022/23 season.
- Crystal Palace’s academy, where Ola-Adebomi developed, has produced players like Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Wilfried Zaha.
