On Loan In France: Sunderland Star Discusses Not Returning To Wearside

Pierre Ekwah, who arrived at AS Saint-Étienne on loan from Sunderland in the summer, has quickly become an integral part of Olivier Dall’Oglio’s team.

Despite being on loan with an option to buy, the 21-year-old midfielder has shown impressive versatility, playing both in a three-man defence during defensive phases and transitioning to a midfield role in attack. Ekwah is currently the fourth most-used player in the team, behind only Larsonneur, Davitashvili, and Batubinsika.

Could He Stay Permanently?

Although his stay at Saint-Étienne is temporary, Ekwah has already developed a strong sense of belonging at the club. In an interview with Le Progrès, he explained:

“It’s weird. I have a sense of belonging to Saint-Étienne. In my head, I’m not on loan. But when I’m asked the question, I have to answer that I’m on loan. I’m between two clubs. The players and the staff never made me feel like I was on loan. When I arrived, I said to myself: ‘I’m here for a long time.’ You never know, will I go back? Will I stay? I can’t give an answer. In my mind, yes, the question of continuing here is already on the table. We’ll see. There, we’re talking about belonging. I belong to two clubs.”

Team Development and Challenges

Ekwah is optimistic about Saint-Étienne’s future, despite some early-season inconsistencies. The team, which has undergone significant changes with many new players, is still adjusting and finding its rhythm. Ekwah noted,

“We are quite young, but above all, there are a lot of new people. It takes time to integrate everyone, to find automatisms and that explains why sometimes things don’t go as well. However, there is a lot of progress and there will be more throughout the season. With young players, we have to go back to basics. I think the coach has also found his team. This stability has to be less fragile.”

Ekwah’s Journey in Football

Pierre Ekwah’s football journey has taken him from his youth career at RC Arpajonnais and Bretigny FCS to Chelsea’s academy in 2018. After a professional signing in 2019, he moved to West Ham United before joining Sunderland in 2023. Known for his technical skills and physical presence, Ekwah has also represented France at U16 and U20 levels. His ability to play both in midfield and defence has made him a valuable asset to Saint-Étienne, who will be looking to keep him on a permanent basis if he continues to impress.

Site Opinion

Pierre Ekwah’s situation at Saint-Étienne demonstrates the growing trend of loan players becoming key figures in their teams. His adaptability and strong connection to the club, despite the uncertainty of his future, highlight his professionalism and maturity at a young age. While the option to buy may still be up in the air, it’s clear that Ekwah’s performance and mindset are aligning with the ambitions of Saint-Étienne.

For the club, securing a player like Ekwah on a permanent deal could be a significant step forward in stabilising their squad for the future. However, the decision will ultimately depend on how the rest of the season unfolds. Ekwah’s potential to become a long-term asset to the team is evident, and it is up to both parties to determine if his future lies in Saint-Étienne’s long-term plans.