Derby County signing named "biggest bargain since Bryson" - Cardiff City will have regrets | OneFootball

Football League World's Rams Fan Pundit has discussed Ebou Adams' impact at Pride Park.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Derby County head into the final two games of the season level on points with Luton Town, a side who occupy the last relegation place, and they could be just one win from safety if results go their way on Saturday.

The Rams have a much better goal difference than the Hatters, and if they are able to secure a win over Hull City at the MKM Stadium, then the pressure is on Matt Bloomfield's side not to lose to Coventry City to ensure that they have a realistic chance of staying up on the final day.

Nevertheless, excitement and nerves have built over the last few weeks for every club fighting at the bottom of the table, and there are still eight sides who could drop down to League One for the 2025/26 campaign.

However, Derby have a secret weapon in the middle of the park, and the £500k that they paid for Ebou Adams at the start of the season is starting to look like more and more of a bargain as the weeks go by.

Verdict made on Adams' first full season as a Ram

The midfielder originally joined the Rams on loan from Cardiff City in January 2024, and he made an instant impact while on loan, playing a key part in his team's promotion to the Championship.

He was signed permanently in the summer by Paul Warne, and despite not having a lot of experience in the second tier, he has shown his class once again and few can deny just how important he has been to the club.

Football League World has asked their Derby Fan Pundit, Shaun Woodward, just how much of a bargain Adams has been and if his former team regret selling him, with the Rams supporter comparing him to another former midfield star.

He told FLW: "I think any club would regret selling Ebou Adams with the form he's been in since he joined Derby, not just Cardiff, considering the position they're in. He was probably the main reason that we got promoted last season when he came in.

"He brought energy to the team, he brought infectious passion, he lifted everyone around him and he got the crowd going. He's everything you want to see as a fan out on that pitch. Again this season his form has just carried on up to the next level."

Shaun continued: "Considering this is the first time he's played consistently at this level; he's just thrived in the Championship. His stats say it all. I think he's got the most interceptions, the most blocks, the most tackles. He's probably ran the furthest as well and he's chipped in with some really important goals this season.

"So, I would say he's the best at what he does in the Championship. I think any club would be lucky to have him. He was an absolute bargain. This is a big statement, but he's probably the biggest bargain we've had since Craig Bryson. He's had that much of an impact on the team and on the club.

"He's single-handedly dragged us through some games, a fans’ favourite, and he deserves every award going this season. I hope we keep him because I couldn't imagine Derby without him."

Adams has been crucial to Derby's revival

While he was still the shining light in Warne's team, under John Eustace, Adams has progressed even further and looks to be the real deal in the middle of the park for Derby.

He was handed the captaincy by the 45-year-old, a decision that he has not looked back on, and his relationship with those in the stands is clear to see, with supporters cheering him on perhaps more than any other player.

Tenacity and hard work have taken Adams' game to the next level in the last few months, and he looks at home at Pride Park. If he continues at this current rate, there is no reason to say that he cannot help take his team further up the table in the coming years.

Few knew of the Gambia international before he arrived in DE24 15 months ago, but he has now become the most important player in the team and Derby may already have been relegated without him.