Pierre Ekwah took a big step towards leaving Sunderland on deadline day.
The Frenchman has long been linked with a move away from Sunderland, but the club has yet to agree to his exit.
The Black Cats had very limited options in the middle of the park last season, handing Ekwahu 37 starts in the Championship.
He really pushed for them, so it was no surprise when he had to settle for a place on the bench for the opening game of the current campaign.
With Sunderland already bringing in Alan Brown, they now want to complete deals for Milan Aleksic and Salis Abdul Samed before tomorrow’s deadline.
Ekwah is set for his first Ligue 1 loan
Their new arrival appears to have prompted Ekwaha to leave the club, and it was previously reported that he had already agreed personal terms with Saint-Etienne.
While Sunderland have put a £6m price tag on his head, it now looks like he could leave on the original loan.
Foot Mercato reporter Sebastien Denis wrote on X: “Full deal between Sunderland and Saint-Etienne for loan of Pierre Ekwaha. Loan with option to buy for £5.9m.”
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Although Ekwah won’t be leaving for good this summer, it actually looks like a very good deal for Sunderland.
The 22-year-old “Rolls-Royce” could leave and try to rediscover his form, while Samed remains on Wearside on his own loan.
Saint-Etienne could decide not to sign him permanently, in which case the Black Cats could either move him elsewhere or keep him to replace his replacement in Samed.
If they decide to buy, Sunderland will match the price they gave him last summer.
It certainly seems like a sensible decision and fans will be hoping that Ekwah finds himself back in Ligue 1 after a difficult year in the Championship.
In his prime, the midfielder has been largely uncapped and seems almost guaranteed to shine in France.
Samed also seems to be a great replacement, so it seems like a deal that makes everyone happy.