Derby County have announced the signing of midfielder Ebou Adams, having sealed a permanent deal from Cardiff City.
Adams, 28, impressed in a loan spell with the Rams, having joined up with Paul Warne and his squad during the January 2024 transfer window.
The Gambian international won over the hearts of the Pride Park faithful in a matter of games, with an overall work rate and spirit that was missing from the midfield before his arrival.
With Adams in the centre of the pitch, Derby kicked on and sealed plenty of victories on their way towards promotion from League One.
That naturally led to plenty of questions about a permanent transfer in the summer, which has since been sealed.
- READ MORE: Derby County confirmed signings, transfer ins and outs, loans and releases for 2024 summer window
Ebou Adams’ first words as new Derby County signing
With fan favourite Adams now sealing a move, plenty have been waiting to hear exactly how he feels about joining Derby.
Speaking to the official club website, he said: “I can’t describe it [the emotions of joining Derby] to be fair, I’m just over the moon and happy that it’s finally done, I think it’s a long time coming.”
“Nothing is certain in life but I was really hoping it would go through and I’m very grateful that it has and now I can continue smiling again and enjoy myself.”
When asked about the wait to seal the move back to Moor Farm, Adams said: “I think I’ve had to be patient, I think I had spoken to family and people and they said ‘Don’t think about it too much’ so I went on holiday to just enjoy time with family, had internationals.
“They just said to enjoy it and not think about it too much and if I did I think I’d be losing my mind.
“So I did that and obviously trained for a couple of weeks at Cardiff and just been patient and that has come true now so I’m here and I can’t wait to get going.”
“I can’t wait,” Adams added on the season ahead. “Shall we go and train now? [Laughs]. No I’m looking forward to it, can’t wait… it’s good to be back.”
Ebou Adams move a sign of intent
The deal to sign Adams is a clear sign of intent from Derby to seal their place in the Championship for the years ahead.
The 28-year-old was clearly impressive in his short spell at Pride Park and many will be hopeful that he can replicate that form on a permanent basis.
Adding Adams to the signings of Ben Osborn, Kayden Jackson, Jerry Yates and Kenzo Goudmijn could take the team to the next level.