Portsmouth signing Ebou Adams mocked after bizarre detail spotted in contract photo

January 17, 2026 • 0 • min read

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Portsmouth signing Ebou Adams mocked after bizarre detail spotted in contract photo

Portsmouth's announcement of Ebou Adams as their latest signing should have been a straightforward moment of celebration, but it quickly became the subject of online mockery after supporters spotted an awkward detail in the official photo.

Pompey confirmed the arrival of the Derby County midfielder in a deal reportedly worth £500,000, describing Adams as a player who will bring a "huge amount of energy and athleticism in the middle of the park."

Yet instead of focusing on his footballing qualities, many fans couldn't get past what looked like a simple blunder during the classic "contract signing" snapshot.

Fans Spot 'Upside-Down' Pen in Signing Photo

Soon after Portsmouth shared the image of Adams putting pen to paper, eagle-eyed social media users noticed something that appeared... off.

In the photo, the midfielder seems to be holding the pen upside down, leading to a flood of sarcastic posts and jokes about whether the club's latest signing had actually signed anything at all.

Photo: @Pompey

Whilst the moment was harmless, and likely down to timing or angle rather than an actual mishap, it didn't stop the announcement being met with a wave of playful ridicule.

The club, however, soon moved to calm the online laughter by sharing another photo showing Adams signing in the correct manner, seemingly to remove any doubt and put the discussion to rest.

The updated image helped shift attention back to the football, though the original slip-up had already done the rounds online.

Photo: @Pompey

Portsmouth Hope Adams Can Spark Championship Survival Push

Despite the online laughter, Portsmouth will be far more concerned with what Adams delivers on the pitch.

The club currently sits 21st in the Championship, and Adams has been brought in to add drive, physicality and leadership to the midfield as Pompey look to pull away from trouble.

The 30-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Fratton Park, offering the kind of experience and resilience clubs often crave during a tense relegation scrap.

Adams Arrives After Strong Spell at Derby

Adams joined Derby in January 2024 and quickly became a key figure, going on to make 89 appearances for the Rams and scoring eight goals.

He has remained heavily involved this season too, featuring in 23 of Derby's 26 Championship matches - underlining his fitness levels and importance before Portsmouth moved to bring him south.

Before his time at Derby, Adams built a reputation as a hardworking, energetic midfielder across the Football League and beyond.

He made over 100 appearances for Forest Green Rovers, and has also represented Leyton Orient, Ebbsfleet and Cardiff City, earning praise for his work rate, athleticism and ability to break up play.

A Signing Announcement That Won't Be Forgotten

Whilst Portsmouth will hope Adams becomes a vital piece in their survival fight, the unveiling photo has ensured his arrival has already made an impact - even if not entirely in the way the club intended.

The jokes may fade quickly, but results at Fratton Park will ultimately decide how his move is remembered.

For now, though, one thing is certain: Pompey's new midfielder has signed on the dotted line - even if fans aren't convinced he was holding the pen the right way up.

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