Cardiff’s Midfielder Eyes Comeback After Injuries: Salary and Prospects of Ebou Adams

Cardiff City F.C.’s midfielder, Ebou Adams, is making efforts to return to prominent football following the previous season marred by injuries. The Gambian player, initially hailed as a future key player for the Welsh team, faced setbacks due to serious injuries, causing him to miss almost the entire season. More than that, his biggest injury was unique to football. 

“I asked how many injuries like this happen in football and they said ‘none’. I went and searched who else had got this injury: Triple H from WWE [World Wrestling Entertainment]! That says a lot about the injury.”, – told Adams to BBC.

Now, the midfielder is gradually regaining form and is gearing up to become a leader for both the club and the national team, having received a call-up for the upcoming African Cup of Nations.

What is Ebou Adams’s salary at Cardiff City F.C.?

Joining Cardiff City F.C. as the first newcomer, Ebou Adams became a part of the Welsh team in the summer of 2022, with his contract extending until June 30, 2025. Over the remaining two seasons with Cardiff, the Gambian midfielder will earn €953,998, excluding bonuses. For the 2023/2024 season, Adams will pocket €476,999, equivalent to €9,173 per week.

Team Salary Overview: Adams – the Lowest-Paid among African Players in the Welsh Club

In the 2023/2024 season, Cardiff City F.C.’s total wage bill amounts to €22,802,869, averaging €438,517 per week. The highest-paid player in the team is midfielder Aaron Ramsey, earning €4,839,793 annually, or €93,073 per week. Ebou Adams, in contrast, ranks 19th in the salary hierarchy and is the lowest-paid among African players in the Welsh squad. Additionally, he holds the lowest-paid position among the African footballers at the club.

Career Salary Comparison: Highest Earnings Post Return to Championship

After not playing a single match for Norwich City F.C. and spending two seasons on loan, the Gambian midfielder moved to the fifth and then the fourth tier of English football. Despite the lower level of competition, Adams’s salary increased by more than five times. During his three years at Forest Green Rovers F.C., he became a team leader and played a crucial role in the championship-winning season of 2021/2022. With impressive performances and statistics, Adams returned to the Championship, signing a contract with Cardiff City F.C. His salary also increased fourfold, making it the highest in his career.

Market Value: Growth Despite Injury

The first significant increase in the midfielder’s transfer value occurred after the 2021/2022 season when he won League 2 with Forest Green Rovers F.C. and secured a contract with Cardiff City F.C. Despite suffering an injury during the preseason, Adams did not lose value. Upon returning to the team and the national squad, his transfer value doubled. Currently, Transfermarkt estimates the market value of the Gambian midfielder at €400,000.

National Team Achievements

Born in England, Ebou Adams had the opportunity to play for two national teams. However, not receiving a call-up to the English national team, he made his debut for Gambia in 2018. After missing the qualification for the 2020 African Cup of Nations, the midfielder played in his first major tournament for his national team two years later. Adams featured in all group stage matches, playing full games in two. He is also part of the squad for the 2023 African Cup of Nations. In total, Adams has played 15 matches for the Gambian national team without contributing any goals or assists.

Football and Salary Prospects

In the 2023/2024 season, Ebou Adams struggled to secure a permanent spot in the starting lineup. He played in less than half of the matches, appearing in only 11 Championship games and completing a full match against Hull City A.F.C. During this period, the Gambian midfielder did not register any goal contributions. A successful performance in the upcoming African Cup of Nations may help Adams not only gain more playing time at the club but also secure a new contract with improved terms.