Ligue 2 side AS Saint-Etienne announced that French-born Ghanaian defensive midlfielder Pierre Ekwah‘s purchase option has been activated, according to club’s statement.
On loan from Sunderland (England) since summer 2024, the 23-year-old player made 30 appearances with the green jersey.
Now he officially joins Eirik Horneland’s squad.
ℹ️ L’AS Saint-Étienne confirme avoir levé l’option d’achat de Pierre Ekwah prévue dans le cadre de son prêt par @SunderlandAFC 🏴 l’été dernier.
Le milieu de terrain de 23 ans intègre officiellement l’effectif d’Eirik Horneland après une première saison lors de laquelle il est… pic.twitter.com/uJRbbjqn6R
— AS Saint-Étienne (@ASSEofficiel) August 14, 2025
According to Transfermart, transfer fee por Ekwah’s permanent move is estimated at €6.00 million.
Sunderland’s Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman noted that initially player moved to France last summer to play regularly and continue his development, and he achieved this.
“Although it was a challenging season for Saint-Étienne, their decision to exercise this option indicates the level of his performances. Pierre joined us without any senior experience – he believed in Sunderland, and we believed in him. We are proud of the role we have played in his career, and he is rightly held in high esteem by our supporters. We all wish him well in the next chapter of his career,” he added.
Ekwah moved to England in 2019 and, following spells with Chelsea and West Ham United, he arrived on Wearside in January 2023.
The midfielder made 61 appearances and scored five goals during his time at the Stadium of Light, which came to an end last summer.
