Sunderland’s Pierre Ekwah secured a loan move to Saint-Étienne on deadline day of the summer window.
The move saw the Frenchman return to his country for the first time since arriving in England in 2018, when he joined Chelsea’s academy. He then joined West Ham United in 2021, before Sunderland signed him in January 2023.
Ekwah was a regular for the Black Cats in his first 18 months, making 60 appearances in all competitions. He lost his place after Régis Le Bris arrived at the Stadium of Light.
This convinced the 22-year-old to leave Sunderland for the Ligue 1 side on a loan deal. He didn’t have to think twice to join Saint-Étienne, and this has been revealed Ekwah himself during a chat with the French press, relayed by Le10 Sport.
“My return to France? When I had the opportunity to come, I didn’t hesitate. Of course, it makes me happy, but it’s a bit strange at the same time, because I left for England quite young,” he said.
The defensive midfielder has made three league appearances for Saint-Étienne so far. His club teammate, Aïmen Moueffek, is pleased to be playing alongside Ekwah.
There’s another aspect which has made the Sunderland owned player more comfortable since joining Saint-Étienne on a temporary deal.
“It’s cool to be back in the country where I grew up. It’s nice to hear French spoken, to have press conferences in French and all that,” Ekwah explained.
“Playing in this league is really great. When you turn on the TV, it’s you. When your family turns on the TV, it’s you. It’s really nice.”
Saint-Étienne have an option to make Ekwah’s stay permanent at the end of this season.
