Derby County could raid Cardiff City for a new signing in the summer with Ebou Adams a target.
Derby County captured Ebou Adams on loan from Cardiff City, and since then, the Gambia international has been incredible in the middle of the park.
In nine League One outings for the Rams, Adams has become a huge fan favourite, showcasing his ability as a ball-winning midfielder and protecting the defence like his life depends on it.
The 28-year-old has added a steeliness and bite that wasn’t there before in midfield and he’s made a massive difference to matches.
Derby now win a lion’s share of their engine room battles and that is largely thanks to Adams, who has won 62% of his ground duels, recovered 4.2 balls and made 2.4 tackles per game.
Paul Warne has said previously that he wants to sign him permanently, but he knows that a productive loan spell, as he’s demonstrated so far, will only attract further interest from elsewhere.
It hasn’t been said whether Cardiff will offload Adams in the summer with his contract expiring in 2025, but there is one other player in South Wales who Warne should target.
Derby County should plot multiple player raid at Cardiff City
Adams would be a huge addition to the Derby ranks in the summer.
Forgetting about the number of players that are coming to the end of their contracts at Pride Park, and in the midfield department especially, Adams brings a presence and a bite to their engine room that simply wasn’t there before.
Adams, however, isn’t the only player whom Warne should be targeting as Romaine Sawyers sees his contract expire in June and it appears the Bluebirds have no interest in renewing.
With Max Bird joining Bristol City permanently and Conor Hourihane’s future up in the air, Derby desperately need to bolster their midfield and the capture of Sawyers – regardless of what division they are in – would be a smart one to make.
Previously described as having “unbelievable” potential by Slaven Bilic during his time at West Brom, Sawyers is excellent at driving forward with the ball and possesses a superb passing range.
The 32-year-old has only made two appearances this term, but having featured 369 times in Championship and League One throughout his career, he’s vastly experienced.
Upon signing him in the summer, former Cardiff boss Steve Morison described him as a “difference maker” in games and a “top quality Championship midfielder”.
Sadly, once he was replaced in the dugout by Erol Bulut, he wasn’t made a part of the 49-year-old’s plans and was told to find another club.
While a move never materialised in January, Sawyers would be a shrewd addition for Derby and if they were able to land Adams too, the pair could form a devastating partnership centrally.