One loaned-out Sunderland man has made a name for himself whilst on loan in France’s top tier.
Regis Le Bris and Kristjaan Speakman will be keenly plotting their plans for the upcoming January transfer window, which is less than a month away.
The recent blip in results and performances, which most recently saw Sunderland lose out to Sheffield United on their travels, has been difficult, with the Black Cats not recording a single league win in their previous six games, meaning that they have dropped down to 4th in the Championship table.
Sunderland may have several decisions to make in regard to transfers, including some outgoings, which could see Abdoullah Ba potentially moved on after not notching a single minute of Championship action this season, alongside several others.
As for incomings, the midfield looks in need of extra depth, as whilst the options of Jobe Bellingham, Chris Rigg and Dan Neil are solid, there is very little room for rotation for Le Bris with his current options.
As a result, there could be one loanee that Speakman should consider recalling for the latter half of the 2024/25 season.
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Sunderland should recall Pierre Ekwah this January after top Ligue 1 performances
Black Cats midfielder Pierre Ekwah was sent out on loan this summer after Le Bris made it clear that he would be utilising a slimmed-down squad.
Ever since his move to Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne, he has been involved in a relegation scrap, with his side currently sitting 15th in the table, just one place above the relegation play-off spot.
Despite the team performances keeping his side nestled towards the bottom of the table, Ekwah has delivered some top performances, as, per SofaScore, he has managed a rating of 7.0 or higher in four of his last five games.
He has been handed 10 starts since his arrival and has been crucial in defending, notching an average of 4.8 balls recovered and 3.6 balls cleared per game in France’s top tier.
Squad depth is needed to fix one glaring issue
There is no doubt that Sunderland’s current midfield three of Bellingham, Rigg and Neil have been impeccable on several occasions so far this season, but it is becoming evidently clear that rotation is needed in order to keep the young trio fresh.
Rigg in particular has been one of Sunderland’s top performers this season, but he looked somewhat leggy in the defeat against Sheffield United.
Considering he is still just 17 years old, he will without a doubt benefit from a short break, and the recall of Ekwah would give Le Bris the opportunity to do so.