Why Portsmouth boss John Mousinho believes £500,000 Derby midfielder Ebou Adams is a 'massive' signing for Blues
Pompey have announced their second signing of the January transfer window - midfielder Ebou Adams
John Mousinho believes Ebou Adams is a ‘massive addition’ to his Pompey ranks.
The Blues boss hailed the arrival of the Derby midfielder on a two-and-a-half-year deal, claiming the 30-year-old will bring ledership, energy, athleticism and proven Championship quality to his squad for an important second half of the season.
The former Cardiff and Forest Green enforcer completed his anticipated move to Fratton Park on Friday - although it’s not clear whether he was signed in time to feature against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
He’s Pompey’s second signing of the January transfer window, with confirmation of his arrival coming less than 48 hours after Millenic Alli’s loan move from Luton Town was announced.
Midfield was an area Mousinho wanted to bolster, even before Mark Kosznovszky was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury sustained against Charlton on December 29.
Heading into the game at Hillsborough, the Blues boasted a midfield of Andre Dozzell, Marlon Pack and Luke Le Roux. But it’s a trio that needed assistance as the Fratton Park club battle against the serious threat of relegation.
As a result, Mousinho will feel a lot more comfortable about the challenge that lies ahead after welcoming the news of Adams’ arrival.
What John Mousinho has said about Ebou Adams
The head coach said: ‘We’re delighted to get this deal over the line and bring in a proven Championship player.
‘He’s performed highly at this level over the past couple of seasons and is someone we’ve come up against a number of times.
‘Ebou will provide a huge amount of energy and athleticism in the middle of the park and I’m looking forward to working with him.
‘He was the club captain at Derby and has a lot of leadership qualities, so we feel that he’s a massive addition to the squad.’
Adams to wear No 38 shirt at Pompey
Adams, who was vice-captain at the Rams, arrives for an undisclosed fee - although reports from the Derby side of the deal claim a figure of £500,000 was agreed with John Eustace’s side. He’ll wear the number 38 shirt durin his time at Fratton Park
Following Adams’ arrival on loan from Cardiff in January 2024, the midfielder played a key role for Derby as they secured promotion to the Championship by finishing as runners-up to Pompey in League One, with a strike against Blackpool voted the club’s ‘Goal of the Season’.
He made a permanent move to Pride Park in the summer of 2024 and starred as the Rams ended 19th to preserve their second-tier status.
Installed as captain, he was selected as Player of the Season by both supporters and team-mates, making a total of 89 appearances for the club and scoring eight goals.
The Gambia international had featured 17 times for the Rams this season before completing his move to Fratton Park.