Sunderland AFC confirms that Pierre Ekwah has completed a permanent transfer to AS Saint-Étienne.
The midfielder moves for an undisclosed fee after the Ligue 2 side triggered an option in the agreement that saw the Frenchman spend the 2024-25 season on loan at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.
Ekwah, 23, 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.
After making 29 appearances for Saint-Étienne in Ligue 1, Ekwah will now be part of Les Verts’ quest to seal an immediate return to the French top tier.
Kristjaan Speakman said: “Pierre moved last summer to play regularly and continue his development. He achieved this, and 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."
All at Sunderland AFC thank Pierre for his contribution and wish him the best of luck at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.