Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah has swapped Wearside for France. The 22-year-old has joined Ligue 1 side Saint-Étienne on a season-long loan with an option to buy for a fee believed to be £6 million. A percentage of any fee will be due to his former club West Ham United; however, Sunderland will gain a healthy profit should the loan go to plan on a player who signed for an undisclosed but nominal fee in January 2023.
The deal was confirmed by Sunderland’s official website safc.com.
Done Deal: Sunderland Midfielder Pierre Ekwah Joins Saint-Étienne
Ekwah, who made 40 appearances for the Black Cats last season has fallen down the pecking order under new head coach Regis Le Bris due to injury and the form of Chris Rigg, Jobe Bellingham and Dan Neil plus new summer signing Alan Browne.
According to the Sunderland Echo, several clubs from England and abroad have declared an interest in Ekwah including Udinese and Premier League sides Crystal Palace, Fulham and Leicester. However, Saint Étienne have won the race to sign the midfielder.
Sporting Director Reacts to Pierre Ekwah’s Departure
Sunderland Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman said: “Following Pierre’s arrival at Sunderland, he has developed from an Under-21 player to become a Championship midfielder, and we are proud of the role we have played in his progression. The midfield is an incredibly competitive area in our squad and this agreement represents a positive outcome for the Club and Pierre, who expressed his desire to take this opportunity and challenge himself in Ligue 1. We wish him well and look forward to revisiting his situation next summer.”
According to reports, it is set to be a busy deadline day on Wearside with several players coming and going as head coach Regis Le Bris shapes his squad for the rest of the season. Sunderland currently sit top of the Championship.
