Ebou Adams' first words as Portsmouth player - his thoughts on Pompey project and a previous transfer approach

Ebou Adams has total faith in the Pompey project after sealing a permanent move to Fratton Park.

The midfielder also said he was keen to do his best for head coach John Mousinho, after turning him down during the 2024 January transfer window.

Adams became the Blues’ second new arrival of 2026 when he put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal, after Pompey agreed an undisclosed fee with Derby County for the 30-year-old, believed to be around £500,000.

The box-to-box midfielder will boost an engine room that lost Mark Kosznovszky to a season-ending knee injury last month - and is expected to make his debut, alongside fellow new arrival Millenic Alli, at Sheffield Wednesday today.

The Blues hope the Gambia international won’t be the last new face to walk through the doors of Fratton Park this month, with Mousinho’s side just one point and place above the Championship relegation zone going into the Hillsborough head-to-head.

At least another four signings are expected to bolster their survival bid. And while scrutiny has been on the Blues’ recruitment policy and procedures in recent times, the Pompey new-boy admitted it’s a project and a manager he’ll be getting 100-percent behind.

Ebou Adams: I can’t wait

Speaking for the first time following his move, Adams told the club website: ‘It's a really good project. He (Mousinho) is a very good guy. Funny enough, he tried to sign me two (January) windows back and I opted to go to Derby.

‘It's nice to get that done now (though) and he's finally got the man that he wants.

‘I can't wait to show him and give 100%. He's been good so the project's been really good and I can't wait to get on it and move forward.’

What Ebou Adams will bring to Pompey

Adams ended up playing 89 times for Derby following his inital loan from Cardiff two years ago, helping the Rams to secure promotion from League One behind Pompey and then retain their Championship status last season.

The Pride Park side’s player of the season in 2024-25, he made 23 league appearances for John Eustace’s 13th-placed side before sealing his switch to PO4.

And now finally at Fratton Park, the midfield enforcer revealed what Pompey fans can expect from him during his stay at the club.

He said: ‘I’ll bring a voice, energy and enthusiasm. On that pitch I’ll be non-stop, I’ll be stopping attacks, starting attacks.

And for me, the most important thing, I’ll just be enjoying my football and I’ll give everything.

‘But all I want to do is give the fans great memories for them to remember - and that’s my big thing, to put smiles on people’s faces.’

He added: ‘I'm actually buzzed. I'm buzzing to get going, can't wait.

‘I'm looking forward to it because I just want to express myself. I think Portsmouth is a good club to do it with.’

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