Crystal Palace and Fulham are reportedly among the clubs interested in signing 21-year-old French holding midfielder Pierre Ekwah from Sunderland.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Pierre Ekwah is gaining popularity in the transfer market. Crystal Palace and Fulham are among the clubs keen on signing the 21-year-old Sunderland defensive midfielder. So, he might return to London a year after leaving West Ham United.
Who is Pierre Ekwah?
Pierre Ekwah has finally made his mark as a senior footballer this year since joining Sunderland in January 2023. The Frenchman is a native of Massy and spent most of his formative years in his homeland, passing through the academies at RC Arpajonnais, Brétigny FCS, CFF Paris, and FC Nantes before arriving in England.
The 21-year-old turned out for Chelsea and West Ham United’s youth teams but never had the opportunity of becoming an established first-team regular. That chance came at Sunderland after the Black Cats secured Ekwah’s services in January 2023. Since then, the young defensive midfielder has come leaps and bounds at the Stadium of Light.
The Frenchman has turned out 34 times while chipping in with two goals thus far for Sunderland, with nearly half of those appearances coming this season. Ekwah’s progress has not gone unnoticed, and a swift return to the Premier League might be on the cards. Crystal Palace and Fulham are interested in the youngster.
A Premier League Return On the Cards?
Crystal Palace can do with a young defensive midfielder, considering Cheick Doucoure is a popular figure in the market. In addition, the Malian international is out with a long-term injury, meaning the Eagles need a cover for him in January. Pierre Ekwah has thus emerged as a viable target for Crystal Palace.
As for Fulham, the Cottagers are sweating over the long-term future of Joao Palhinha, with many high-profile clubs keen on signing him. The West London club can do with a replacement, bringing Ekwah into the picture. Meanwhile, the 21-year-old French defensive midfielder is also a target for Nottingham Forest.
So, the race to sign Ekwah from Sunderland should heat up in the coming weeks as we approach the January transfer window. But with Sunderland in the battle to seal promotion to the Premier League, it is unclear if they will sanction the youngster’s departure this winter.
