Derby County bolsters midfield with Ebou Adams from Cardiff City

Derby County have strengthened its midfield by signing 28-year-old Ebou Adams on loan from Cardiff City for the remainder of the 2023/24 season.

This move comes after Adams' recent return from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with Gambia, marking him as the Rams' second acquisition in the January transfer window, following Corey Blackett-Taylor from Charlton Athletic.

The Greenwich-born player started his career at Dartford, debuting professionally in the 2013/14 National League season.

Following a loan period at Walton Casuals, Adams established himself as a key player for Dartford in the National League South.

His talent caught the attention of Norwich City, who signed him in February 2016, setting a record transfer fee for Dartford. Adams spent time with Norwich's Under-21s, impressing in Premier League 2 and scoring in a notable 4-1 victory against MK Dons in the EFL Trophy.

Adams' journey also included loan spells at Braintree Town, Shrewsbury Town, and Leyton Orient, before a permanent move to Ebbsfleet United in 2018.

His consistent performances led to a return to the EFL with Forest Green in 2019, where he was integral in their 2021/22 League Two championship win.

After accumulating 121 appearances and ten goals at Forest Green, Adams advanced to the Championship with Cardiff in 2022, making 13 appearances for the Welsh club.

Internationally, Adams represents Gambia, qualifying through his grandparents.

He made his international debut in 2017 and has since earned 16 caps, participating in both the 2021 and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, where Gambia reached the quarter-finals in the earlier competition.