Sunderland must avoid Pierre Ekwah action as Dan Neil interest intensifies: View | OneFootball

Highlights

Pierre Ekwah’s performances have earned him the attention of Premier League sides this January.

The Sunderland midfielder has been a key figure in the side so far this season for both Tony Mowbray and Michael Beale.

The 21-year-old has made 20 appearances in the Championship, with the Black Cats aiming to fight for promotion to the top flight.

According to HITC, the likes of Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace have set their sights on the Frenchman.

A move to the Premier League must be alluring for someone like Ekwah, who has made the jump up to the Championship quite well since signing from West Ham’s youth system last January.

Some people may be concerned over making the jump up to the top flight so soon, but the manner in which he has settled into life at Sunderland in just 12 months shows he has what it takes to do the same at a higher level.

Sunderland’s Pierre Ekwah decision

However, Sunderland must do what they can to convince the player to remain at the Stadium of Light beyond this January.

The midfielder has a contract with the Wearside outfit until the summer of 2027, so there is no immediate need to sell.

But Ekwah can force the issue and look to pursue a move to a higher level this January if he wants.

It is up to Sunderland to persuade him that the best course of action for his career is to remain with the club.

Keeping him around until the summer would be a real boost to their promotion chances for this season.

Ekwah is an important part of the team, and a player of his style is difficult to come by.

His passing accuracy is exceptional, and his 6.85 progressive passes per game would be incredibly difficult to replace.

Ekwah’s defensive contributions are also quite strong, and that versatility in his skillset makes him an ideal modern midfielder.

The youngster reads the game extremely well, and brings an extra solidity to the back of the Sunderland team that it will need to compete at the top of the Championship.

He helps bring out the best in other players like Jobe Bellingham and Dan Neil.

Neil’s uncertain future

Neil is another player with an uncertain future at the Stadium of Light, with it being reported that the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are all interested.

The 22-year-old would find it difficult to turn down a move to a club of such stature, which will in turn make it harder for Sunderland to convince him to stay.

In light of this, it only further emphasises the need for the Black Cats to hold onto Ekwah as they simply cannot afford to lose both midway through the campaign.

This would leave Beale very short of options in midfield, and there are no guarantees that adequate replacements could be found during the winter market.