Pierre Ekwah ‘to join’ Auxerre on loan with £5.1m option | OneFootball

Pierre Ekwah is closing in on a switch to Auxerre after Saint-Étienne agreed a paid loan with an option to buy, Peuple Vert reports.

The deal is said to be a €300,000 loan, about £257,000, carrying a €6 million option, roughly £5.1 million. Ekwah wants the move and completion is expected before the summer window shuts.

The 24-year-old’s situation deteriorated when Saint-Étienne activated a purchase clause to make his loan from Sunderland permanent despite relegation. He then spent time away from the first-team picture before joining Watford on loan in January.

He made seven appearances and logged 280 minutes for Watford, then returned to Saint-Étienne this summer. Although back in training without further issues, he has not played in a competitive match or pre-season friendly and has continued to seek a move.

Auxerre’s proposal offers a route back to Ligue 1 for the midfielder. It would also move his salary off Saint-Étienne’s wage bill and could help the club recoup their outlay if the option is exercised.

Ekwah had previously established himself as a regular in Sunderland’s midfield before his move to France.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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