Sunderland have confirmed Pierre Ekwah’s loan move to Saint-Etienne this evening.
The Frenchman’s departure looked more and more likely to happen as he failed to pick up a single minute of action in the Championship this season.
With Milan Aleksic and Salis Abdul Samed reportedly set to join before tonight’s deadline, it was only a matter of time before Ekwah moved to Ligue 1.
The club have now announced his loan exit, with Saint-Etienne holding the option to buy him next summer.
Sunderland earning extra cash from Ekwah loan move
While that was already all expected, journalist Phil Smith has now shared the news of a clause inserted into the deal that fans will be very happy about.
Smith wrote on X: “First done deal of the day – Pierre Ekwah has completed a loan to St Etienne. Ligue 1 side have an option to make it permanent next summer. Understand there’s also a seven-figure loan fee.”
Sunderland have done very well in Ekwah business
Given that Sunderland could well earn up to £6m for Ekwah next summer, earning another seven figures for his loan exit seems like brilliant business.
The Black Cats will be forced to cough up 35% of his permanent price to West Ham if he does get sold next summer, so bringing in some decent cash today makes it a bit less frustrating.
It could mean that the club are raking in over £7m – before West Ham’s slice – for Ekwah, who may have been far from the first-team anyway once their new signings arrive.
It is a real shame to see the midfielder leave given how likeable he actually was, but his development seemed to have stinted at the Stadium of Light and it will be great to see him progress in his home country.
Sunderland will be hoping they can actually bring in the two midfield reinforcements this evening though, however it has looked very likely to happen since yesterday, so fans can surely remain positive on that front.