June 23 2015

Mandela Egbo

Crystal Palace Academy defender Mandela Egbo has been poached by Borussia Monchengladbach.

The 17-year-old rejected a professional contract with the Eagles and opted to sign for the Bundesliga side.

Palace are set to gain compensation of around £215,000 for the England U18 international but will be bitterly upset to have lost one of their bright young stars.

The east London-born right-back, who has been with the club since U12 level, was just 15 when he made his debut for Palace U18s and played 14 times for the U21s last season.

"We are very happy that Mandela decided to play for us. He is a player with huge potential,” said Borussia's sporting director Max Eberl.

"He can play on the right wing both offensively and defensively. Now he has the possibility to rise up through the ranks of the U23 squad and make into the first team."

Egbo played an integral role in the England side that won the European U17s Championship last May.

Egbo later said on Twitter: "Massive thank you to everyone @CPFC for an amazing 7 years. So many great memories with some great people."