Former Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah is reportedly closing in on a move to Watford
The 24-year-old is currently on the books at AS Saint-Etienne in France, but has endured a bizarre stint on the continent since making an initial loan move to the club permanent last year. Having reportedly expressed his dissatisfaction at the transfer following their relegation to Ligue 2, Ekwah has supposedly refused to play for his new side, and at the time of writing, is yet to make an appearance for ASSE this season.
Consequently, it would appear that the ex-Black Cats talent is now nearing a loan exit from Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, with a return to England seemingly on the cards. Writing on X, Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph explained: “Watford are close to agreeing a deal for Saint-Etienne defensive midfielder Pierre Ekwah. It’s understood the clubs are in advanced talks over a loan move for the 24-year-old. Ekwah joined the French club from Sunderland last summer.”
What has been said about Pierre Ekwah’s situation at Saint-Etienne?
Speaking back in September, ex-Saint-Etienne boss Eirik Horneland, who parted company with the club earlier this week, was quick to address Ekwah’s absence in the media, telling a press conference: “We just have to hope that Pierre is doing well and that he’ll return as soon as possible. If I’m on sick leave, if you are, nothing can be said on that subject. All of this remains confidential, both in football and in normal life.”
Meanwhile, Ekwah’s teammate at the Ligue 2 side, Maxime Bernauer, was also asked about Ekwah, to which he responded, as quoted by Peuple Vert: “I don’t want to talk about Pierre Ekwah’s situation. I don’t have all the information, and it wouldn’t necessarily be very healthy to talk about that.
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“I haven’t spoken with Pierre. I know it’s a complicated situation for him and for the club. I’ll let them manage it between themselves. We started back on June 19, we had a lot of work to do. Now, it’s certain that if Pierre is brought back, it will be even more beneficial for the squad. These are extra-sporting matters and we, as players, don’t necessarily have control over them.”
Reflecting on his departure from Wearside at the time, Sunderland’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman praised Ekwah’s development during his time at the Stadium of Light. He said: “Pierre moved last summer to play regularly and continue his development. He achieved this, and although it was a challenging season for Saint-Étienne, their decision to exercise this option indicates the level of his performances.
“Pierre joined us without any senior experience – he believed in Sunderland, and we believed in him. We are proud of the role we have played in his career, and he is rightly held in high esteem by our supporters. We all wish him well in the next chapter of his career.”
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