Former Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah is reportedly closing in on a move to Auxerre after an agreement was reached with Saint-Étienne
Former Sunderland and West Ham midfielder Pierre Ekwah is reportedly set to join Auxerre on loan as his difficult spell with Saint-Étienne moves towards another significant development.
French outlet Peuple Vert reports that an agreement has been reached between Saint-Étienne and Auxerre for a paid loan worth €300,000, around £257,000, which will also include an option to buy the midfielder for €6million, approximately £5.1million. Ekwah is also said to have made it clear that he wants to make the move, with the deal expected to be completed before the summer transfer window closes.
The 24-year-old's situation at Saint-Étienne has been complicated since the French club exercised their €6million option to sign him permanently following his initial loan from Sunderland. That decision came despite Saint-Étienne suffering relegation and, according to the report, Ekwah making clear that he did not want to remain at the club. He subsequently spent time away from the first-team picture before joining Watford on loan in January. Ekwah made seven appearances and played 280 minutes during that spell before returning to Saint-Étienne this summer.
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Although the former Sunderland man returned to training without any further issues, he has not featured in a competitive game or pre-season friendly and has continued to seek a move elsewhere. Auxerre have now emerged with a potential solution, giving Ekwah the opportunity to return to Ligue 1 while allowing Saint-Étienne to move his salary off their wage bill and potentially recover their €6million investment should the option eventually be exercised. Ekwah previously played for Sunderland before moving to France, having established himself as a regular midfield option during his time on Wearside.
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