Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah (22) has completed a deadline-day season-long loan move to Ligue 1 side AS Saint-Étienne, both clubs have announced. Les Verts, who have lost both of their opening Ligue 1 fixtures, were in the market for a holding midfielder and have considered moves for out-of-favour RC Lens player Salis Abdul Hamed, and Salzbourg’s Mamady Diambou. Ultimately, however, ASSE decided to focus on concluding a deal for Sunderland’s Ekwah.
Ekwah joined Sunderland from West Ham United in January 2023 and went on to feature 61 times for the Black Cats, scoring five goals. “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“, Sunderland Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said.
Ekwah’s loan move to Saint-Étienne includes a reported €7m option to make his move permanent. The FC Nantes youth product will wear the #4 jersey for Saint-Etienne.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
