Derby County must take strong not for sale stance over crucial player this summer:
Derby County will be hoping a fruitful summer transfer window can set them up for an exciting 2024/25 campaign under John Eustace.
Derby County just about staved off relegation straight back to League One in their first season back in the Championship. DCFC confirmed their safety on the final day after a fine turnaround under John Eustace.
The Rams had started well under Paul Wane but dismal mid-season form left them in a precarious position when Eustace joined from play-off chasing Blackburn Rovers.
Having guided them clear of the drop zone, the Derby County boss will now have eyes on a fruitful first summer transfer window at Pride Park.
Signings are sure to be the priority, but one thing the Rams must not entertain under any circumstances is the sale of Ebou Adams.
The stats behind Adams’ season
Adams starred in the second half of Derby County’s League One promotion win and was a must-sign after that loan. He joined permanently and has retained a crucial role in the side.
Aged 29, this was his first real chance to show what he could do in the Championship after an injury-hit stay with Cardiff City, and he was a divisional standout in white and black.
The stats behind Adams’ season paint a clear picture of not only how good he was for DCFC, but how he was one of the most effective defensive midfielders in the entire division.
No one in his position won more fouls (98), made more successful tackles (99) or won more duels (352). Adams also ranked within the top 5% for recoveries (245), interceptions (56). The skipper even chipped in with six goals from defensive midfield (all stats via FotMob).
Will Derby County have to fend off interest?
Clubs are taking a more and more progressive route with their recruitment and, as such, not many would part ways with a sizeable fee for someone who turns 30 next season.
However, Adams is showing absolute no signs of slowing down any time soon. In fact, his stock is only growing having finally been given the chance to show just how good he is on the Championship stage with Derby County.
