One Sunderland gem playing away from the club could become a major part of Regis Le Bris’ plans next season.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris made it clear at the start of his tenure on Wearside that he was looking to utilise a slim-lined squad, which meant that several players from the disappointing 2023/24 Championship were loaned out, sold or moved to the U21 side.
One man who was handed a loan away from the club after a tricky campaign was Pierre Ekwah, who was sent out to Ligue 1 side St Etienne.
Despite the French side undergoing a fairly turgid 2024/25 season, Ekwah has looked solid in the centre of the park.
It is believed that the 23-year-old, who has notched 18 games in the league this season, is keen to continue life in France with St Etienne, who have an option to buy of £6 million, although this would rely on whether they can avoid relegation, with them currently sitting three points from safety.
Because of this, it could open up the door for one 2023 signing that was also sent out on loan this season.
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Potential Pierre Ekwah departure could open the door for Sunderland gem Nectarios Triantis amid brilliant form
From the list of Sunderland loanees, none have performed quite up to the level of Nectarios Triantis, who is currently thriving in the Scottish Premiership with Hibernian.
Australian 21-year-old Triantis has been integral for Hibs, being handed 22 league games, and managing six goal contributions, which is a brilliant return for a defensive midfielder.
Triantis could potentially prove to be a solid option for Le Bris from the 2025/26 season onwards, with him adding more dynamism to the centre of the park compared to the likes of Salis Abdul Samed, who appears to be a more defensive and reserved figure in the side.
Nectarios Triantis spell at Hibernian should have Black Cats fans excited
It is safe to say that Triantis has become quite the fan favourite for Hibernian, having shone in an attacking and defensive sense in recent months.
His three goals and three assists have all come in his previous nine appearances, where Hibs have gone on an unbeaten run that now sees them sit 5th in the Scottish Premiership.
When Triantis does return to Wearside, the one thing that will take Sunderland fans by surprise is his sheer dominance and presence in midfield, paired with the aggression to go in for the tackle. In addition, one thing he has worked on during his loan spell is his forward-thinking nature, looking to progress the ball at any given opportunity, something that Le Bris needs in a defensive midfielder and as competition to Dan Neil.