Derby County: Ebou Adams update emerges amid David Clowes comments | OneFootball

Derby County are closing in on the signing of Ebou Adams from Cardiff City.

Derby County have a big summer ahead of them as they prepare for their return to the Championship after a two-season absence, and will be hoping to add Ebou Adams back to their ranks as a deal edges closer, according to John Percy of The Telegraph.

The Rams will be looking to cement their place back in the second tier and there is plenty of business to be done to ensure they're in the strongest possible position. It could be a busy few months for Paul Warne as he looks to upgrade his squad for the Championship, and a host of senior players have left the club at the end of their contracts, including Joe Wildsmith, Scott Loach, Conor Hourihane, Korey Smith, Martyn Waghorn, and Dwight Gayle.

Some key players will require new contracts, whilst permanent deals for loan players may be looked at. Ebou Adams is possibly Derby's biggest target this summer. The 28-year-old spent the second half of last season temporarily at DE24, introducing himself to fans with a standout performance against Charlton Athletic.

Joining the Rams on loan from Championship side Cardiff City, he made a strong impression at Pride Park. Adams himself also did not rule out a permanent return to his temporary home at the end of last season as well. He has just one year left to run on his current contract, meaning the Bluebirds may be keen to cash in on their man and reinvest the funds elsewhere.

He scored one goal and provided one assist in 17 appearances, but aided Warne's men to promotion after the Gambian star tasted defeat just once in his time at Pride Park, as he helped to protect the backline with his commanding performances in the centre of the park; leading to a clamour for his signature on a permanent basis this summer.

The transfer latest regarding Ebou Adams

According to Derby World, the Rams are keen on bringing the former Forest Green Rovers man back to Pride Park, as Warne's side look to bolster their midfield. Not only that, but per Wales Online, the Bluebirds' pre-season is expected to provide clarity for players who have returned to the club from loans, while Erol Bulut is set to decide on Adams' future.

Derby are keen to sign Adams permanently after his successful loan spell, and if Cardiff are happy to sell their man, the Rams will likely make a swoop for the Gambia international who helped them to promotion last term. Liam Thompson and Tyrese Fornah are currently the only senior midfielders remaining on Derby's books, and the latter was out of favour during the second half of the season, so it is evidently an area in need of strengthening.

John Percy has provided an update on the situation regarding Adams, stating that talks remain ongoing regarding a move for the midfielder, with Derby set to add Jerry Yates and Kayden Jackson to their ranks in the coming days, following on from the permanent signings of Ben Osborn and Corey Blackett-Taylor.

Darren Witcoop has added that they are confident of striking a deal for the midfielder and that a deal is expected to happen imminently. He added that the club have Hull City's Ryan Longman on their shortlist as well:

David Clowes has provided further information on the situation, speaking via the Rams Daily podcast. He said: "At the end of the day, he's a Cardiff City player.

"They are going to have a say on this, aren't they?

"He certainly made a difference [last season]. "If he had started the season with Derby, we would have won the title. "I don't think there is any doubt about that.

"He made a massive contribution."

Derby close in on Ebou Adams

The former Forest Green Rovers man has had a torrid time since moving to the Bluebirds in the summer of 2022, with injuries reducing him to just eleven Championship appearances to date, with only three from the start.

It seems inevitable that Adams will return to Pride Park on a permanent basis this summer, and Derby will be hopeful that they can get a deal over the line.

The Cardiff City midfielder was monstrous under Warne last time out and is already a fan favourite, and his signature could be one of the most desired in recent history at the club by supporters.

Adams won 135 duels in just 17 games after his arrival, while also winning 66% of his tackles. His ability to break up opposition attacks and instigate the counter for his own team in transition was integral in Derby's promotion.

Given the opportunity, he could be a star in the Rams' midfield once again in 2024/25.