Sunderland AFC dealt £6m transfer twist | OneFootball

The Black Cats will not be able to sell Pierre Ekwah permanently to Saint-Etienne after the French club were relegated from the top-flight.

Sunderland have been dealt a blow in their pursuit to sell midfielder Pierre Ekwah permanently this summer, with Saint-Étienne no longer able to activate their option to buy after suffering relegation from the French top-flight.

Ekwah had spent the season in eastern-central France after being deemed surplus to requirements by boss Regis Le Bris, and despite impressing in the heart of midfield, couldn’t help the club retain their Ligue 1 status, as a 3-2 defeat to Toulouse on the final day confirmed a 17th placed finish and occupying one of the two automatic relegation places.

Reports earlier in the season revealed that Saint-Étienne would only consider a £6 million option-to-buy clause if they avoided relegation, but a drop to the French second tier is likely to see that move off the table.

Meanwhile, Sunderland are looking to make a return to the Premier League, entertaining Sheffield United at Wembley on May 24, with Ekwah’s future for the Black Cats likely to hinge on that result.

Pierre Ekwah Sunderland future could be decided on play-off final result

Pierre Ekwah had shown glimpses of quality in midfield for Saint-Étienne, but it wasn’t enough as the club ended the season three points off a relegation play-off spot and six from guaranteed safety.

According to the Sunderland Echo, the 23-year-old’s future is dependant over what happens at Wembley next week, with the Wearside outfit likely to move Ekwah on if their return to the Premier League is confirmed.

If Sunderland lose out to the Blades, then Ekwah could return with an outside of chance of fighting for his place and returning to the setup at the Stadium of Light.

With first-team opportunities going begging in a Sunderland shirt for the Frenchman, his loan to Saint-Étienne was intended to offer him more consistent minutes, and despite the club’s struggles, he managed to achieve it, which should stand him in good stead to make a return to England if Sunderland are resigned to another term of Championship action.

Pierre Ekwah should consider Sunderland exit regardless of play-off outcome

Regardless of what happens in the Championship play-off final next week, Pierre Ekwah clearly isn’t favoured by Regis Le Bris, and would find it difficult to earn a regular starting spot under the Frenchman next term.

With secured minutes under his belt in the French top division, Ekwah would be an asset to a lot of Championship teams chasing promotion, and could be persuaded to stay in the second tier to build up his experience in England.

A midfielder who offers energy and control, Ekwah is only going to continue to thrive and develop provided he has a home with regular football, and he should consider a move away from the Stadium of Light to make this a reality.