Pierre Ekwah’s time at Sunderland seems to be nearing its end.
Once hailed as a promising young talent, his stint with the Black Cats has not panned out as hoped. Currently on loan at Ligue 1 side Saint-Étienne, Ekwah’s career trajectory appears to be heading in a disappointing direction. His struggles in France have only highlighted the growing discontent surrounding his future at Sunderland.
Pierre Ekwah’s Career
Pierre Ekwah’s journey began with much optimism. After impressing at youth level, he joined Sunderland in 2022 from West Ham United, with the club hoping to add some steel and dynamism to their midfield. Ekwah was viewed as an exciting young talent, one with the potential to flourish in the Championship.
However, despite some glimpses of promise, Ekwah struggled to assert himself consistently in Sunderland’s midfield. His 2023/24 season was, by all accounts, underwhelming, and the decision to loan him out to Saint-Étienne was an attempt to reignite his career. Unfortunately, his time in Ligue 1 has mirrored his struggles at Sunderland. With limited impact and growing criticism surrounding his performances, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Ekwah’s future lies elsewhere.
A Disappointing Loan Spell at Saint-Étienne
Ekwah’s loan move to Saint-Étienne this season was supposed to offer him the chance to develop, but it has instead showcased the player’s limitations. Most recently, he was part of the team that suffered a humbling 6-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. This result, coupled with Saint-Étienne’s slide towards Ligue 2 after 11 winless games, paints a grim picture of Ekwah’s current form.
What stands out from his time in France is not just the poor results but Ekwah’s comments following the PSG debacle. In an attempt to offer some optimism, he suggested that Saint-Étienne are “quite good” at home, despite their embarrassing defeat on their own turf. Such statements, rather than exuding confidence, only highlighted the disconnect between the player and the harsh realities of his situation.
Consistent Struggles
Despite his obvious potential, Ekwah has been unable to find any sustained form at either Sunderland or Saint-Étienne. The criticism of his performances has been consistent, and it is increasingly clear that he has not been able to adapt to the demands of professional football in a way that many had hoped. Ekwah’s loan spell at Saint-Étienne is the latest example of a series of setbacks for the player.
Furthermore, Ekwah’s inability to assert himself in a struggling side raises questions about his ability to perform at a higher level. While he undoubtedly has physical attributes, such as strength and athleticism, his technical abilities and consistency have been called into question. In a squad fighting relegation in Ligue 1, players need to step up when their teams are in trouble. Ekwah has, regrettably, not been one of those players.
Sunderland’s Future Plans Do Not Include Ekwah
It is becoming increasingly evident that Sunderland’s plans for the future do not include Pierre Ekwah. The club is unlikely to see the midfielder as a long-term prospect. Ekwah’s lack of impact at Sunderland, coupled with his underwhelming performances on loan, have made it clear that he does not fit into the club’s plans moving forward.
Sunderland, now under the management of Regis Le Bris, have set their sights on more consistent and reliable midfielders who can help the team push for promotion. With the emergence of other midfield talents at the club, Ekwah’s place in the pecking order has only diminished. The club will likely look to offload him, whether through another loan spell or a permanent transfer. The 2023/24 season has been a decisive one for Ekwah, and it seems that Sunderland are ready to move on from their once-promising prospect.
Conclusion
It is clear that Pierre Ekwah’s time at Sunderland is nearing its end. His struggles at Saint-Étienne, his inability to impact games consistently, and his failure to live up to expectations at Sunderland all suggest that a fresh start is necessary.
For Ekwah, a move away from Sunderland may be the best option to reignite his career and fulfil the potential that once made him such an exciting prospect. For Sunderland, parting ways with the midfielder is a logical step as they look to focus on players who can contribute more effectively to their goals. Ekwah’s time at Sunderland is up, and both he and the club will likely benefit from a change of scenery.
