Portsmouth Close In On Derby Midfielder Ebou Adams Move

Derby County’s Ebou Adams is on the verge of a new challenge, as the 30-year-old Gambian international prepares to swap Pride Park for Portsmouth in a move that could shake up the Championship’s relegation battle. After two years with the Rams, Adams finds himself at the center of transfer headlines, with Derby accepting an offer from Portsmouth and a medical scheduled ahead of the crucial clash against Sheffield Wednesday.

Adams’ journey to this pivotal moment has been anything but straightforward. Having joined Derby County on loan from Cardiff City in January 2024, Adams quickly endeared himself to fans and teammates alike. His dynamic displays in midfield were vital as the Rams earned promotion to the Championship. That success led to a permanent transfer for £500,000 in the summer of 2024, and Adams wasted no time in making his mark. He started 42 league games and netted six goals during the 2024/25 campaign, ultimately being named Derby’s Player of the Season as the club finished 19th in the league.

But football, as ever, is a game of change. The 2025/26 season saw Adams’ influence begin to wane, as Derby’s recruitment drive brought in new faces and fresh competition. The arrival of Lewis Travis in August 2025, alongside the return of David Ozoh from injury, pushed Adams down the pecking order. The recent signing of Denmark under-21 international Oscar Fraulo from Borussia Mönchengladbach only heightened the sense that Derby’s midfield was evolving away from Adams’ physical, combative style toward a more controlled, ball-playing approach.

Despite these challenges, Adams remained a key squad member, featuring in 26 matches across all competitions this season, with 16 Championship starts and 19 league starts overall. He logged 1,503 minutes, scored once, and maintained a 78% pass accuracy. His defensive numbers remained impressive: 60 tackles won, 123 duels won, and 101 recoveries. Yet, with only three chances created and no assists, questions about his creative output persisted. As Derby Fan Pundit Shaun Woodward noted, "I'm struggling to come to terms with the stick that Adams is getting from a section of our fans. I think they've got short memories. It wasn't long ago that he almost single-handedly dragged us to promotion. He scored a really important goal against Blackpool, and he also was getting man of the match performances almost week after week. He's putting his body on the line, blocking, tackling, covering every blade of grass for the club."

Woodward’s passionate defense of Adams highlights the midfielder’s legacy at Derby. "Last season he was our player of the year and scored half a dozen goals. Again, he was the heartbeat of the team. Yes, this season he hasn't had the same impact in our games. His levels probably have dropped off a little bit, and he's never been the most technically gifted on the ball. But if you get players around him that he can give the ball to, then I think he's a real asset to any team."

Yet, the writing was on the wall. With his minutes dwindling and Derby’s tactical preferences shifting, Adams’ future at Pride Park looked increasingly uncertain. As Woodward put it, "I could see him moving on, which would be a great shame, but I can understand it for his career because he needs to be playing games now. He doesn't need to be on the bench. He's not an impact type of player. So, he does need to be starting games for a club, and I'd wish him all the very best. He's been an absolute legend for this club for the last couple of years and I think they need to put a bit more respect on his name."

The opportunity for a fresh start has now arrived. Reports from transfer insider Pete O’Rourke confirm that Derby County have accepted a bid from Portsmouth, with Adams set for talks and a medical at Fratton Park. The move comes as Portsmouth, managed by John Mousinho, look to bolster their squad and stave off relegation. Pompey currently sit just one point and one place above the drop zone, making their upcoming fixture against bottom club Sheffield Wednesday a must-win encounter.

Portsmouth’s transfer activity has been brisk this January. Just days ago, they secured the loan signing of Millenic Alli from Luton Town, and now Adams appears set to become their second addition of the window. The Blues’ midfield has been stretched thin, with Mark Kosznovszky sidelined for the season due to a knee injury. Current options Andre Dozzell, Marlon Pack, and Luke Le Roux have shouldered the burden, but the addition of Adams’ experience and tenacity could prove invaluable.

Adams’ reputation as a tough-tackling midfielder precedes him. His style has drawn comparisons to Paddy McNair, another player reportedly on Portsmouth’s radar. For Pompey, the arrival of Adams is not just about shoring up the midfield; it’s about injecting leadership and grit into a side fighting for survival. Sporting director Rich Hughes, who knows Adams from his Forest Green Rovers days, has moved quickly to secure the deal, aiming to register the midfielder in time for the Sheffield Wednesday match.

Adams’ career path has been a testament to resilience and determination. Born in Greenwich, he began at Dartford before joining Norwich City in 2016. Though he never made a league appearance for the Canaries, he rebuilt his career with Ebbsfleet United and then Forest Green Rovers, making 121 appearances over three seasons. A move to Cardiff City in 2022 was hampered by injury, but his loan spell at Derby reignited his trajectory, culminating in promotion and individual accolades.

Interest in Adams was high during the previous summer window, with several Championship clubs monitoring his situation. Derby, however, opted to keep him—until now. With 18 months left on his contract, Adams’ move to Portsmouth signals a new chapter for both player and club. As Derby continues to reshape its midfield, Adams departs as a respected figure, having left an indelible mark on the Rams’ recent history.

For Portsmouth, the hope is that Adams’ arrival will provide the steel and experience needed to navigate the treacherous waters of the Championship’s lower reaches. With a medical scheduled and talks advancing, all eyes will be on whether Adams can make an immediate impact in Saturday’s critical fixture at Hillsborough.

As the transfer window drama unfolds, one thing is certain: Ebou Adams’ next steps will be watched closely by fans of both Derby County and Portsmouth. His departure marks the end of an era at Pride Park and the start of a new mission on the south coast, where survival in the Championship hangs in the balance.