Paul Warne has sat down to discuss the future of Ebou Adams and rate Derby County’s chances of signing him permanently from Cardiff City.
Derby County made two important signings over the winter period. The capture of Ebou Adams on loan from Cardiff City and the acquisition of striker Dwight Gayle on a free transfer from Stoke City.
Paul Warne has seen Gayle as a short-term answer to their goalscoring problems, fixing that issue by scoring three in his last four matches, while Adams is a player Rams supporters would want to join permanently in the summer.
The 28-year-old has arguably been Warne’s most influential player since arriving at Pride Park in January. His physical dominance centrally has demonstrated his attributes as a ball-winning machine.
While not the greatest technically, the Gambian’s relentless energy and ability to win possession back for his side has allowed Derby to dominate proceedings in the engine room and translate that towards their output in the final third.
Adams’ incredible exploits off the ball are demonstrated by several defensive metrics, including an average of 4 balls recovered per game, 2.5 tackles and 63% of his total duels won in League One.
To say supporters have fallen in love with him would be an understatement and Warne shares that view towards the player.
Paul Warne rates Derby County’s chances of signing Ebou Adams
Whether Derby remain in League One or get promoted to the Championship, Adams is a player fans want to watch week in, week out as he always puts in 110% and his work rate is second to none.
Many are now wondering whether striking a permanent deal is possible.
Having labelled him as “excellent” since arriving, Warne is keen on the idea, but he doesn’t think it’s likely Adams will come back to the club next season.
“First and foremost he has been excellent and I think the world of Ebou,” Warne told the Derby Telegraph. “But this sounds like a football manager answer, which isn’t like me, but he’s Cardiff’s player.
“They’ve kindly loaned him to us and while he wasn’t in their plans for this period of time, it doesn’t mean he won’t be in their plans for the next period.
“I suppose you could argue that he’s still got potentially seven and I hate to say it but 10 games to keep trying to impress us. He’s got an opportunity to try and win something here, but fundamentally, he’s Cardiff’s player. It’s probably less likely than more likely.”
Adams could be tempted by Derby return
During his two seasons at Cardiff City, Adams has only played 13 times and was on the fringes in South Wales under Erol Bulut.
The all-action midfielder has arrived at Derby, immersed himself into the club’s fabric and become an instant fan favourite, leaving the Bluebirds with a huge decision to make over his future.
Adams is out of contract at Cardiff in June 2025, with just one more year left till he’s free to leave on a free transfer.
Stephen Pearce has already claimed that the Rams will spend money if they are promoted to the second tier and they could tempt the Championship side with a bid for the 28-year-old in June.
Adams has enjoyed himself in Derbyshire after linking up with former teammates James Collins and Kane Wilsons.
And given he’s settled at the club, as showcased by his performances, surely he’d be tempted by an offer to join Warne’s squad permanently.