Sunderland fans have debated over the future of one player currently out on loan.
Sunderland have several players out on loan after they were deemed not to be in Regis Le Bris’ immediate plans.
The main success for the Black Cats this season in regards to loanees is undoubtedly Sunderland midfielder Nectarios Triantis and his spell at Hibernian, one that saw him earn his first call-up to Australia’s senior side.
Unfortunately, there have also been some players who struggled in their brief stint away from Wearside, many of whom find themselves currently in France.
Abdoullah Ba is struggling for game time at Dunkerque, whilst Timothee Pembele’s involvement at Le Havre has also been limited. Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah, who currently finds himself at St Etienne, has also had a rather rocky period in Ligue 1, currently being involved in a relegation scrap. Ekwah is a player that has divided Sunderland opinions recently and whether he should be part of Le Bris’ plans next season.
Sunderland fans debate over what to do with Pierre Ekwah following St Etienne loan
Ewkah has notched regular game time with French side St Etienne, where he has become their number-one option as a midfielder. Unfortunately, though, it has been a difficult season for the Frenchman, and is one that looks likely to end in relegation to Ligue 2.
Because of a myriad of reasons, several Sunderland fans are unsure about how to utilise the midfielder next season.
Taking to X, Sunderland fan SAFC Luke said: “Will forever say Ekwah’s underrated, if he is coming back from the loan, I think he’d be an asset me.”
This post got the backing of two Black Cats fans, with one believing that he is a ‘good option in the squad without doubt’, whilst another labelled him as ‘underrated’.
However, this wasn’t the view of the majority of Sunderland fans, as one disagreed suggesting that he ‘hasn’t got the right mentality at all. Would never cope in an RLB system with his work ethic’. Another said that ‘he’s lazy, RLB showed very little interest in him in pre-season. He’s hot and cold and very inconsistent’.
Another fan said: “Think about the way we play. Think about the energy that middle three have to bring and how, when they’re tired, the whole thing falls to bits. Ekwah just isn’t that player. He’s a luxury we can’t afford.”
Pierre Ekwah will surely be behind fellow loanee in the pecking order
No matter the future of Ekwah, it can be assumed that he won’t be ahead of Australian international Triantis in the pecking order before the 2025/26 season.
Triantis has developed into a top player in the Scottish Premiership, putting in several top performances that saw off the likes of Celtic, and has contributed significantly to them currently sitting 3rd in the table.
As an option that Sunderland and Le Bris can rely upon to be consistent and a strong force in the centre of the park, and one that has undergone serious improvement away from Wearside, Triantis fits that description and would certainly be enough to place him ahead of Ekwah in the pecking order.