Official: Crystal Palace loan out 19-year-old forwards Agbinone and Umolu to EFL clubs

Crystal Palace has confirmed that two of its promising 19-year-old forwards, both of Nigerian descent, have been loaned to English Football League (EFL) clubs for the remainder of the 2024/25 season. 

Asher Agbinone and Jemiah Umolu will gain valuable first-team experience as they join Gillingham and Port Vale, respectively.

Agbinone, a winger who has been with Palace since his Under-9s days, will make his first-ever loan move to Gillingham.

He is highly regarded within the club, having progressed through the youth system and made his first-team debut earlier this season in a match against Nottingham Forest. 

With two goals and one assist for the Under-21s this term, Agbinone is poised to contribute at Priestfield and continue his development under senior competitive conditions. 

Crystal Palace has expressed its full support for Agbinone as he embarks on his loan spell.

Meanwhile, Umolu, a striker who has been in fine form for Palace's Under-21s, has joined Port Vale on loan. 

He has been a standout player for the club’s development side this season, scoring an impressive 13 goals in 16 games across all competitions, making him the current top scorer in Premier League 2. 

His strong performances have earned him a loan move to Vale Park, where he will experience his first taste of professional football. 

Port Vale, under the guidance of manager Darren Moore, is currently competing for promotion to League One, sitting in the play-off places in League Two.

Umolu’s rise at Palace came after a successful trial at the end of the 2023/24 season, which helped the Under-21s win the Premier League International Cup. 

He formally joined the club in the summer of 2024, and his loan spell will allow him to test himself at a higher level in the EFL.

Both Agbinone and Umolu have shown immense promise at Palace, and their loan moves are seen as crucial steps in their development. 

The club has wished both players well as they take on new challenges with their respective EFL clubs for the remainder of the season.

Wale Adejumo

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com