“Speaking to him” – Derby County legend makes Ebou Adams claim as Rams eye Cardiff City ace

HIGHLIGHTS

•  Derby legend warns Rams that Cardiff hold the upper hand in Ebou Adams deal due to his impressive performances.
•  Adams’ future at Derby remains uncertain as Cardiff manager Erol Bulut extends contract, adding to the suspense.
•  Derby urged to focus on strengthening attacking options despite interest in re-signing Adams, who is under contract until 2026.

Malcolm Christie, a legend of Derby County, thinks Cardiff City ‘hold all the aces’ when it comes to Ebou Adams’ future.

After assisting the Rams in winning promotion to the Championship the previous season, the 28-year-old rejoined the Bluebirds, and Derby is still hoping to bring the Gambia international back to the Midlands this summer.

After joining on loan in January, Adams was instrumental in Derby’s push for the Championship. He started each of his 17 League One games, helping the Rams finish second, five points behind Portsmouth.

Adams enhanced the Rams’ midfield and served as the ideal screen for their back three when he was used as the sitting midfielder in Paul Warne’s 3-4-3 system. Derby had the greatest defensive record in League One last season, giving up just 37 goals, of which seven came after Adams joined the team in January.

Christie, however, feels that Adams’ efforts at Pride Park may make it more difficult for the Rams to retain him for another season. Christie scored 35 goals in 127 appearances for Derby in just five years.

Ebou Adams played crucial role in Derby’s promotion

“He has a contract there in Cardiff, and he has really put himself in the spotlight, hasn’t he? That’s the nature of football’, he said to The Derby Telegraph.

“We know how much he loved his time at Derby, but I’m sure there will be other possible suitors there. Speaking with him directly, he was genuinely impressed and had a contagious smile.

“He gave it his all in every single game when at the start there was a question mark over his fitness.”

Erol Bulut’s contract extension could clear up Ebou Adams’ future

Following the signing of a two-year deal by Bluebirds manager Errol Bulut to stay in Wales through the conclusion of the 2025–26 season, Adams’ future should become more apparent.

On a one-year contract, the 49-year-old took over in Cardiff in June 2023 and guided the squad to a 12-th-place result the previous year.

When asked about his future after Derby won a promotion, Adams remained ambiguous.

It’s so hard to say, I can’t! At the end of April, he said to The Derby Telegraph, “It’s never goodbye from me.”

“I’m going to enjoy my summer, first and foremost! I have no idea where I’m headed. I’m going to prioritise enjoying my summer, and then we’ll assess our progress. I’ve loved every minute of it, and I sincerely appreciate your hosting me.”

As they prepare for life in the Championship, Derby is among the teams hoping to recruit Adama Sidibeh from St Johnstone. They have also been connected to Nottingham Forest’s Ateef Konate, an offensive midfielder who has indicated that he would be leaving the City Ground this summer when his contract expires.

Re-signing Adams, who has a deal through the summer of 2026, would be a huge coup for the Rams ahead of their first season in the Championship in three years, but Christie cautioned that the team needed to improve its offensive alternatives first.

“There will be some money floating about, but do you want to put all your eggs in that type of Adams basket when we need a centre forward?,” he replied.

Still, midfield is a really important position. When you consider the team’s spine, Adams fits the description of your holding midfielder. In addition, Cardiff may even be considering bringing him in for their own team after observing how well he performed there. With that agreement, I just believe Cardiff is holding all the cards.”

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