Why Ebou Adams left Derby County for Portsmouth FC - John Eustace has revealed it | OneFootball

The Rams' head coach has been speaking about the midfielder ahead of his reunion with Derby on Monday.

Ebou Adams is set to face his former club, Derby County, for the first time since leaving for Portsmouth in the January transfer window on Monday evening, as the two clubs face one another in a crucial Championship fixture.

Pompey have not won in their last four league games, and with those below them finding form, they know they must take all three points at Fratton Park to ensure that they do not end this round of matches in the bottom three with 22nd place Oxford United just two points behind.

Meanwhile, the Rams were beaten 1-0 by Millwall on Tuesday evening. Their chances of finishing in the play-off places are not gone, but they are now relying on both Wrexham and Southampton to slip up as the chase for the top six continues.

Nevertheless, Derby supporters may have some fears about their former hero facing their side on Monday, with the East Midlands outfit knowing just how the Gambian midfielder is, and now John Eustace has revealed why he left the club.

Reason behind Ebou Adams' Derby County exit to Portsmouth becomes clear

Adams' move to Portsmouth was confirmed on 16 January, with a fee of around £500,000 being agreed between the two sides. He signed a two-and-a-half year deal in Hampshire, and he has enjoyed a really strong start to life on the south coast.

However, it has emerged that it was his desire to continue with Derby. But, with the Rams looking to build in the coming years, his place in the team was not guaranteed and Eustace has explained the reason behind his exit.

He said (via: BBC Sport Derby): "It was a really difficult decision, but Ebbs wanted a contract extension, and he wanted a bit more clarity on his future. Portsmouth have given him a long deal on more money, so the lad wanted to go.

"I wasn't going to stop it or stand in his way, and he's doing terrific there. He's a fantastic person, first and foremost. He's done really well, and I won't forget the work that he did for me since I was here. I'm very grateful for that, and I've got a lot of time and respect for him."

Portsmouth have improved greatly since Ebou Adams arrived from Derby County

Known as 'The General' to teammates and fans, Adams was a dominant force in the middle of the park for Derby before leaving for Portsmouth, and he played a crucial role in their League One promotion in 2023/24, as well as their Championship survival last season.

However, with the likes of Lewis Travis, David Ozoh, Bobby Clark, Liam Thompson and Oscar Fraulo available for Eustace, the 30-year-old's importance decreased dramatically and a move away either in January or the summer seemed almost certain.

Nevertheless, he has been a breath of fresh air for Pompey, and since his arrival, they have picked up 15 of their 40 points, while the Rams have accrued 19 in the same period.

Portsmouth's form has improved, and he has been a vital cog in the machine for John Mousinho. However, he will be hoping to inflict damage on his former side's play-off hopes on Monday as Derby look to close the gap to the top six at Fratton Park.