Ebou Adams has taken to social media to say goodbye to Derby County after his permanent transfer to Portsmouth was confirmed on Friday afternoon.

The Gambia international arrived at Pride Park in January 2024 on a loan until the end of the season as the Rams sought promotion back to the Championship after being relegated in 2022.

Adams made an immediate impact in the East Midlands, and after helping to lead the team to second place in League One, he signed a permanent contract with the club from Cardiff City that summer, where he grew into a fan favourite and eventually became captain.

However, the entrance of Lewis Travis in August 2025 caused the 30-year-old to lose the captaincy at Derby, and with Oscar Fraulo the most recent acquisition in DE24, a contract was struck with Portsmouth, and he has left his beloved Rams – leaving with a kind note.

Ebou Adams, who made 89 appearances for Derby County, has sent a touching note as the club confirms his departure.

Adams was well-liked by fans for his hard work on the pitch and positive attitude off it.

While nobody predicted his departure at the start of the season, it has become increasingly clear in recent weeks that his time at Derby was coming to an end. Nonetheless, he took to Instagram on Friday to pay tribute to his now-defunct club.

He remarked, “I never saw my initial stay here as a loan; this was immediately my home, and I was overjoyed when it was made permanent in the summer of 2024.” Promotion, securing our spot in the Championship for this season, and being appointed captain 🤍🖤🐏.

https://www.instagram.com/ebouadams/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=16fe89ce-a27c-4907-b996-83e8e16fef7b

Thank you to my teammates and staff, who have been like family to me over the last two years. 🤍🖤. The fans will always be precious to me. Thank you for welcoming me as one of your own. I’ve cherished every moment of it.”Ebou Adams wishes Derby County all the best 🫡🐏🤍🖤.

Ebou Adams had many of big Derby County moments, and it will have been a painful goodbye.

With Adams preparing for life at Fratton Park, Rams fans will want to look back on some of his best moments in black and white, beginning with his debut against Charlton Athletic at The Valley.

The defensive midfielder was outstanding in South-East London, playing 71 minutes in the 1-0 win and earning player of the match honors. Just a few months later, he scored his first Derby goal against Blackpool, sending in a superb volley to give his team the three points.

Last season, he scored six goals to help the Rams avoid relegation on the final day, including a 4-0 victory over his new team in December 2024. Adams was voted the club’s Player of the Season, and his position on the team appeared unbreakable.

While this season has not been easy for The Gambian star, he has captained the team on several times as Travis has struggled with injury, and he will always be a cult icon at Pride Park despite falling out of favour under Eustace.