Ebou Adams’ Leadership Rebirth in Derby County F.C.: Captain Boosts His Market Value

In just a year and a half at Derby County F.C., midfielder Ebou Adams has not only returned to the Championship but also regained regular playing time. The Gambian footballer’s crucial role in the midfield led to him earning the captain’s armband, a testament to his impressive rise in transfer value.

What is Ebou Adams’ Salary at Derby County F.C.?

The Gambian national team midfielder joined the English club in the summer of 2024 after a six-month loan, with a contract extending until June 30, 2027. Over three years in England, Adams is expected to earn €1,483,563, excluding any potential bonuses. For the 2024/2025 season, his base salary will be €494,521, which breaks down to approximately €9,510 per week.

Team overview: Adams is among the top three highest-paid foreign players at the club

In the 2024/2025 season, Derby County F.C.’s total salary expenditure is €15,299,063, or €294,213 per week. The highest-paid player is defender Nathaniel Phillips, who is on loan from Liverpool F.C. and earns €4,076,782 per year, or €78,400 per week.

Ebou Adams ranks ninth in the salary standings at Derby County F.C.. Notably, he is the second highest-paid African player at the club. The next player on the list, Norwegian forward Lars-Jorgen Salvesen, earns over €24,000 less.

Career salary comparison

During two seasons at Norwich City F.C., the Gambian midfielder did not make a single appearance. Following his loan, he joined a fifth-tier team and subsequently moved to a fourth-tier English division. Interestingly, this drop in competition level led to a nearly sixfold increase in his salary. After winning the championship with Forest Green Rovers F.C. in the 21/22 season, Adams transitioned to the Championship, signing with Cardiff City F.C. This move resulted in a nearly fourfold increase in his earnings, a trend that continued after his transfer to Derby County F.C. Against all odds, Ebou Adams is now earning the highest salary of his career.

Market Value: rapid growth after silver in English League One

During the 21/22 season, the Gambian won League Two with Forest Green Rovers F.C. and received a contract with Cardiff City F.C., boosting his transfer value by €50,000. Unfortunately, during the 22/23 season, Adams did not play any matches due to multiple serious injuries, including a pectoral tendon tear followed by a knee injury. Despite these setbacks, his transfer value continued to rise and even doubled. Unable to secure a regular spot on Cardiff’s roster, the Gambian footballer went on loan to Derby County F.C. With the club, Adams won silver in League One, which caused his value to more than double, reaching its peak. Currently, Transfermarkt.com values the Gambian midfielder at €900,000, making him the seventh highest-valued player at the English club.

Achievements with the National Team

Born in England, Ebou Adams had the opportunity to represent two national teams. However, he did not receive a call-up to the England national team and thus made his debut for Gambia in 2018. The midfielder has participated in two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, with 2022 marking his most successful campaign. That year, the Gambians reached the quarter-finals, where they were defeated by Cameroon 2-0. To date, Adams has played 24 matches for the Gambia national team, scoring one goal.

Perspectives

During the 2024/2025 season, Ebou Adams emerged as a key player for Derby County F.C. The midfielder missed only two matches: one due to yellow card suspensions and the other because of a concussion. Additionally, Adams made several contributions to goal-scoring efforts and was awarded the captain’s armband. His consistent performances for the English team may pave the way for a contract renewal and a salary increase in the future.