Pierre Ekwah’s potential £6 million move from Sunderland to St Etienne has been thrown into uncertainty following the sacking of Olivier Dall’Oglio.
The Ligue 1 side parted ways with their manager after a poor run of form left them in the relegation zone, losing 2-1 to Toulouse. For Ekwah, who has openly expressed his desire to stay in France, the situation now hangs in the balance.
Ekwah’s Impressive Start at St Etienne
Since arriving on a loan-to-buy deal in August, Ekwah has been a regular fixture in St Etienne’s midfield, starting all 12 of Dall’Oglio’s final matches in charge. The former West Ham academy player seemed poised to secure a permanent move, with the Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris expressing confidence in the loan arrangement, citing Dall’Oglio’s preference for technically gifted ball-carriers.
“I like Olivier and I’m pleased that he managed to get Les Verts back into the top flight,” Le Bris said. “Olivier must like Pierre’s profile. He likes good footballers and good ball-carryers. We’ll see how it all comes together.”
Now, however, St Etienne’s managerial search has thrown Ekwah’s future into question. Reports suggest Eirik Horneland, a former Rosenborg coach with a reputation for intense, high-pressing football, is a leading candidate to take over. The Norwegian manager’s approach could present a challenge for Ekwah, whose style has sometimes been described as more languid compared to Sunderland’s dynamic midfielders such as Jobe Bellingham and Dan Neil.
Uncertainty Looms Over £6m Deal
Ekwah’s prospects of a permanent move may also hinge on St Etienne’s finances. The club is not known for extravagant spending, having only twice exceeded the £6 million price tag required for the Sunderland loanee in the past six years. Any potential move would require the new manager’s backing, as well as a strong finish to the season from Ekwah himself.
The 21-year-old midfielder has impressed during his time in France but will need to adapt quickly to any changes in style or expectations under a new boss. St Etienne’s precarious position in the Ligue 1 table only adds to the complexity, as the club may prioritise reinforcements in other areas.
Writer’s View
Pierre Ekwah’s future now hinges on his ability to win over a new manager in a challenging environment. While he has shown promise at St Etienne, the uncertainty following Dall’Oglio’s departure highlights the volatile nature of football transfers. For Sunderland, retaining Ekwah could bolster their midfield depth if St Etienne decide not to activate the purchase clause. Ultimately, the coming weeks will be crucial for the young midfielder’s career trajectory.
