Sunderland reportedly have no plans to reintegrate Pierre Ekwah back into the first team squad.
The midfielder left the Stadium of Light last summer, joining French side Saint-Étienne on loan for the season.
Given how significant the player had been the previous season, his departure was unexpected following the appointment of Régis Le Bris as new head coach.
The 23-year-old has made 17 Ligue 1 appearances this season after playing 40 times in the Championship with Sunderland last year.
| Pierre Ekwah’s midfield stats 2024/25 (as of Feb. 15th) – per Fbref.com | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Stat | Per 90 | ||
| Passes Attempted | 53.58 | ||
| Pass Completion (%) | 88.20 | ||
| Progressive Passes | 5.06 | ||
| Progressive Carries | 0.72 | ||
| Successful Take-ons | 0.60 | ||
| Touches in the Opposition Area | 0.06 | ||
| Progressive Passes Received | 0.48 | ||
Pierre Ekwah’s Sunderland future
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Ekwah is not part of Sunderland’s forthcoming first-team plans, regardless of the club’s league status next year.
Le Bris’ side is in contention for automatic promotion, but the midfielder will not return, regardless of the tier they will soon compete in.
“I don’t think they see him as part of the future, from what I’ve heard,” Bailey told Sunderland AFC News.
Ekwah has previously shown interest in sticking with the French club on a long-term basis.
In an interview with Le Progres in December, he kept the door open to a permanent move to the top tier club, despite the uncertainty surrounding his future with Sunderland.
“Will I stay?” “I can’t respond,” Ekwah remarked.
“In my opinion, the issue of staying is on the table. We will see.
“There, we are discussing [the sense of] belonging.
“I belong to two clubs.”
Sunderland’s promotion ambition
Sunderland are in contention for a top two berth in the Championship, with the signing of Enzo Le Fee in the January transfer window further strengthening their midfield options.
Given the enormous difference between them and fifth place in the table, Le Bris’ team will be confident of securing a play-off spot.
However, the Black Cats are now five points behind second-place Sheffield United heading into the weekend, following draws against Watford and Plymouth Argyle.
Sunderland’s next match is a critical away game against league leaders Leeds United on Monday night.
Ekwah obviously not a part of Le Bris’ plans
The way in which Ekwah left Sunderland in the summer indicated that Le Bris saw no need for him in the squad.
While he was formerly a vital member of the team, his absence has not been greatly felt, so a permanent departure this year would make a lot of sense.
Given his consistency in France, sticking with St Étienne might be a suitable fit, assuming they can reach an agreement with Sunderland on a deal.
However, a lot can happen between now and the summer, leaving the 23-year-old’s future uncertain.
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