According to rumours, a former Sunderland player “refuses to train” at his new club following a £5 million summer transfer departure.
According to sources, Pierre Ekwah is refusing to practice with Saint-Étienne after their relegation to Ligue 2, which is another issue resulting from his departure from Sunderland in France.
Jeunes Footeux claims that the 23-year-old has not been a part of the team since the French team exercised their £5 million option to purchase him from Sunderland earlier this summer. The agreement was initially made when he moved on loan to Saint-Étienne for the 2024–25 campaign. According to the report, Ekwah is dissatisfied with the permanent move’s conditions, which were decided upon without first getting his consent. He reportedly thought he would only remain with the team if they were able to avoid relegation, but after a challenging season, Saint-Étienne activated their option and made the move permanent.
Ekwah’s unwillingness to play in Ligue 2 is also connected to his stance; the midfielder is said to be annoyed at the idea of spending another season outside of France’s top flight. According to French media, Levante and Rangers made two different loan offers late in the summer, one worth approximately £7 million and the other with a £5.5 million buyout option. However, Saint-Étienne turned down both proposals. Listen to The Roar Podcast, which is presented by the Sunderland football staff at Sunderland Echo, to stay up to date on everything Sunderland.
Join our team each week as we provide you with in-depth debate, expert analysis, and exclusive insight into everything that occurs at the Stadium of Light, including match previews, reviews, and the most recent Premier League response, as well as transfer rumours and contract updates. According to reports, on August 28, Ekwah and his delegates met with Saint-Étienne’s management in an attempt to settle the dispute, but no deal was achieved. The athlete is reportedly adamant about leaving, while the club is reportedly refusing to approve a transfer.The current drama comes after Sunderland formally announced Ekwah’s departure earlier this month. Although West Ham United had a sizable sell-on clause in the initial contract when Ekwah went to Wearside in January 2023, the Black Cats are thought to have paid about £5 million for the midfield player. In his farewell remarks, Sunderland’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman commended Ekwah’s growth while he was at the Stadium of Light. In order to play frequently and further his growth, Pierre relocated last summer. He accomplished this, and despite Saint-Étienne’s difficult season, their choice to exercise this option shows how good he was, Speakman added.
Pierre didn’t have any senior experience when he joined us, but we shared his belief in Sunderland. Our supporters rightfully hold him in high regard, and we are proud of the part we have played in his career. We all hope he has a successful next phase in his career. Listen to The Roar Podcast, which is presented by the Sunderland football staff at Sunderland Echo, to stay up to date on everything Sunderland. Join our team each week as we provide you with in-depth debate, expert analysis, and exclusive insight into everything that occurs at the Stadium of Light, including match previews, reviews, and the most recent Premier League response, as well as transfer rumours and contract updates.
Read more news on sportupdates.co.uk
Leave a Reply