After a season on loan at AS Saint-Étienne, Pierre Ekwah’s future remains uncertain, with the Sunderland midfielder yet to confirm where he will play next term.
The 22-year-old has been candid about his current priorities, choosing to focus on his performances rather than speculate on what comes next.
Ekwah Focused on the Present, Not His Future
Ekwah, who joined Sunderland from West Ham United in 2023, was sent on loan to the struggling French side without an option to buy. Speaking to Cameroonian media outlet Allez les Lions, via French outlet But! Football, he made it clear that his immediate concern is helping Saint-Étienne avoid relegation from Ligue 1.
“The main thing is to get out of this complicated situation and ensure the club’s survival. My goal is to raise my level of play, to perform better and to better serve the team. My personal case, I really put it aside,” said Ekwah.
Despite his intentions to make an impact, his time in France has been mixed, with inconsistent performances and limited opportunities. With Saint-Étienne facing the threat of relegation, it seems unlikely they will meet Sunderland’s reported £6 million valuation to make the deal permanent.
Ekwah’s Career So Far
Pierre Ekwah began his career with RC Arpajonnais, Bretigny FCS, and CFF Paris before joining Nantes in 2017. He moved to Chelsea in 2018, signing his first pro contract in 2019. After three years, he trialled with Portsmouth and West Ham, joining the latter in 2021. Unable to break into West Ham’s first team, he moved to Sunderland in January 2023 on a four-and-a-half-year deal.
What Next for Ekwah at Sunderland?
With the midfielder set to return to Wearside in the summer, Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris will have a decision to make. The Black Cats remain in a period of transition, and while Ekwah is under contract until 2027, it’s unclear whether he fits into the club’s long-term plans.
Having initially shown promise in England, Ekwah’s struggles in France raise questions about his ability to establish himself in the Championship upon his return. A second loan move or a permanent transfer could be on the cards if Sunderland decide he is surplus to requirements.
For now, the focus remains on the midfielder’s performances for Saint-Étienne, with any decision on his future likely to be made in the summer.
Writer’s View
Ekwah’s time in France hasn’t quite gone to plan, and with Sunderland evolving under new leadership, his place in the squad is anything but guaranteed. While he still has time to prove himself, the reality is that the club may look elsewhere. His future at the Stadium of Light hinges on whether he can convince Le Bris that he deserves a second chance.
