One Sunderland loanee bagged a crucial goal for their side at the weekend.
Sunderland currently have several players plying their trade away from the Stadium of Light, with Kristjaan Speakman sanctioning many loans before the 2024/25 season.
This included two players heading to Ligue 1, which was Timothee Pembele and Pierre Ekwah. It is safe to say that the French pair have had differing successes back in their country.
Defensive midfielder Ekwah has played in the centre of the park for a St Etienne side currently struggling in Ligue 1, and whilst he has received mixed receptions, including one journalist labeling him as ‘slow’ on occasions, his performances have been much improved from the 2023/24 campaign, which was regarded as ‘disappointing’.
Despite this, it looks as though his recent performance saw him shine for St Etienne, bagging a goal in a 3-3 draw, and Sunderland fans have had their say about the Frenchman.
Sunderland fans still have hope for Pierre Ekwah as he shines for St Etienne
In a recent 3-3 draw at the weekend at home to Angers, Ekwah bagged his first goal for St Etienne in 19 appearances, helping bring his side level at 2-2 in the early stages of the second half.
Despite his side being in a poor run of form, his performances have shown glimmers of light, which has left Sunderland fans wondering whether he could still have a future on Wearside.
One Sunderland fan took to X after his goal, and said: “I don’t care what anyone says there is still a great Championship-level player in Ekwah.”
His thoughts were echoed by another who suggested that Sunderland should ‘bring him back’ due to him being an improvement on Salis Abdul Samed. His thoughts were backed up by another that suggested that ‘he would have contributed more than Samed’.
Two Sunderland fans suggested after Ekwah’s goal, that he has been sorely missed this season, suggesting that ‘he would’ve done so well under Regis’, as another fan believed that it was a ‘kick to teeth this, would love him in the squad and to be flying’.
How likely is it that Pierre Ekwah returns to Wearside
Based on his recent performance against Angers, Sunderland loanee Ekwah has been sorely missed this season, and his absence certainly will be missed because of Regis Le Bris’ limited midfield options.
Despite this, some Sunderland fans will be hoping to see a new and improved Ekwah that has developed during his stint in Ligue 1, but it is far from a necessity that his future aligns with the Stadium of Light.
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey has previously said that there’s not a likely chance that Ekwah’s future is in Sunderland, and because of his nationality, it certainly would not be out of the question that he would like to remain in France.