Derby County boss Paul Warne must now get a deal for Ebou Adams over the line so he can unlock the true potential of his ‘exciting’ secret weapon.
The Ebou Adams saga continues to rumble on but there could be a positive resolution for Derby on the horizon.
Talks remain ongoing to sign Adams – who starred on loan at Pride Park last term – while Cardiff City boss Erol Bulut has fuelled excitement over a potential deal.
Bulut claims that Derby have placed an offer on the table for the 28-year-old and that is why he didn’t want to risk him in a friendly against Kidderminster with the Rams ‘close’ to agreeing a deal.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the Turkish tactician said: “As far as I know we got an offer from Derby County but nothing is finalised, so until that moment, Ebou Adams is still a Cardiff City player.
“We didn’t want to risk him [against Kidderminster] because we are close [to a deal] but in football you never know. Things may not get done and today we didn’t use him but tomorrow is another day, we never know”.
It seems certain that Derby will complete a move for Adams sooner rather than later and once they do, the Gambian can play a pivotal role in unlocking the potential of new signing Kenzo Goudmijn.
Why Derby signing Ebou Adams can unlock Kenzo Goudmijn
Goudmijn was announced as a £600,000 arrival from AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday, with the Dutchman signing a four-year contract at Pride Park.
The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Excelsior Rotterdam, and although they suffered relegation from the top flight, the talented maestro still showcased his technical class.
He grabbed four assists in the Eredivisie and created seven big chances for his teammates. Warne will expect him to show similar levels of creativity in the Championship, and capturing Adams can help him achieve that.
Adams solidified Derby’s midfield when he arrived on loan from Cardiff, offering immense protection to his defence and exemplary ball-winning skills.
The Rams lacked strength and tenacity in the middle before his arrival but the talented defensive midfielder provided that in abundance.
Warne’s men conceded just nine goals in the 17 matches he played. He was completely dominant in midfield and such attributes can bring the best out of an attacking player such as Goudmijn.
Whilst Adams patrols the deeper areas of midfield to win the ball back, Goudmijn can be given the freedom to express himself in the final third. It’s a combination that could work a treat for Derby, who will no doubt be looking to play on the counter-attack.
Warne’s best midfield three if Ebou Adams signs
Signing Adams appears imperative to get the best out of those around him, as while he’s not played much in the Championship, he does deserve another shot at Derby.
Adams understands his roles across Warne’s primary systems, whether he plays a two-man midfield in a 3-1-4-2 or a three-man in a 4-3-3.
Derby just need to get creative players around him who can affect the game in the final third and that is what the ‘excellent’ Goudmijn has been brought in to do.
With two workhorses centrally in the shape of Adams and Ben Osborn, the Dutch dynamo can form a potentially outstanding midfield trio.