Pierre Ekwah may be on his way out of Sunderland this summer, with reports suggesting the club do not see him as part of their long-term plans.
The 23-year-old midfielder is currently on loan at St Etienne, where he has found regular game time after a difficult 2023/24 season in the Championship.
Ekwah Not in Sunderland’s Future Plans
Ekwah has impressed in spells with St Etienne despite their struggles in Ligue 1, and the French club hold a £6 million option to buy him at the end of the season. While his performances have earned him praise, Sunderland appear unlikely to reintegrate him into their squad for the 2025/26 campaign.
Speaking to Sunderland AFC News, transfer insider Graeme Bailey confirmed that the club no longer see Ekwah as a part of their future.
“It’s up to the player and the club. If the player wants to go then there’s not much Sunderland can do about it. I don’t really think they see him as part of the future, from what I’m told.”
With the French midfielder seemingly out of the picture at Sunderland, the ball is now in St Etienne’s court regarding a potential permanent transfer. However, their poor league form and possible relegation to Ligue 2 could complicate matters.
Why Ekwah Chose St Etienne
Ekwah arrived at Sunderland from West Ham in 2023 and initially impressed, setting high expectations. However, he struggled to maintain form last season, leading to his loan exit. Upon joining St Etienne, Ekwah spoke about his decision and hinted that he was open to staying in France permanently.
The midfielder also revealed that he wanted to experience French football at the top level after leaving Nantes for England at a young age. Now, his future could be tied to whether or not St Etienne can avoid the drop.
What’s Next for Sunderland?
With Ekwah seemingly set for a permanent exit, Sunderland will likely look to reinvest in midfield options ahead of next season. If they remain in the Championship, financial decisions may dictate whether they cash in on multiple players, with Ekwah’s departure being just the start of a summer rebuild.
For now, all eyes will be on St Etienne and whether they activate their purchase option. If they choose not to, Sunderland may need to find another buyer to ensure they secure a transfer fee for a player who is clearly no longer in their plans.
Writer’s View
Pierre Ekwah’s time at Sunderland looks to be coming to an end, and it appears to be the best decision for all parties. With the club focusing on reshaping their squad, and Ekwah enjoying regular football in France, a permanent move to St Etienne could be the most logical outcome.
