JUST-IN Following Pierre Ekwah’s formal departure to Leicester City this weekend, Sunderland hopes to finalize a deal for a new midfield player. Personal terms are not a problem, the BBC reported this morning, but…

Sunderland Braced For Premier League Interest

Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah is Leicester City’s latest target ahead of their return to the Premier League, according to Africafoot.

The Black Cats finished 16th last season after a promising sixth-placed finish the season prior. To progress from that disastrous campaign, new manager Regris Le Bris is looking to install his philosophy and playing style upon the players ahead of their opening day clash away at Cardiff City.

The Wearsiders hav already been busy in the transfer market with three signings. One of which was Alan Browne from Preston North End. The 29-year-old midfielder has a vast amount of Championship experience and his time in the league will play a factor in helping the young, developing Sunderland side to improve. Therefore, Ekwah’s minutes could be reduced for the upcoming season.

The 22-year-old would play 40 games last season after arriving at the Stadium of Light in January 2023. Despite often playing in a deeper role as a defensive midfielder, his stats going forward are also impressive.

He amassed five goals and two assists last season, which is a strong tally considering his side’s form and his role. The ex-West Ham United youngster was also in the top 20% for both progressive passes and accurate passes per 90 in the Championship last season. Therefore, his wide range of skills offers a versatile package, fit for a Premier League side that won’t see much possession.

It seems as though his performances have caught the eye of newly promoted Leicester City. The Foxes have already lost academy graduate Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, which has weakened their midfield ahead of their first game against Tottenham Hotspur.

A new report from Actu Cameroun reveals that the player is in the sights of the East Midlands side. Furthermore, their colleagues at Africafoot claim that an offer is underway to convince Sunderland to let their player go.

With the start to the season fast approaching, Leicester will aim to get business done as soon as possible. With only three signings so far, more players will be necessary. In addition, the Foxes have earnt around £3o million of the departing Dewsbury-Hall, leaving a large amount of money to buy new players.

The report also states it is obvious that Sunderland are demanding enough money to let him go, as they could look for further replacements or reinforce elsewhere. With the Black Cats targeting Alexandre Mendy from SM Caen, this money could be useful in getting the deal done.

Writer’s View

Overall, this transfer may not be right for Ekwah and Leicester City currently. With many options in the centre of the pitch including the likes of Michael Golding from Chelsea, Wilfried Ndidi re-signing and Boubakary Soumaré returning, will Ekwah be the first choice for the Premier League outfit?

However, the move does offer a chance to play in the top tier of English football and if he stars could prove his qualities against the top players in the world. Therefore, staying at Sunderland could also be a mistake in slowing down his progress after a breakthrough 2023/24 campaign.

The money from this deal could also be important in helping the Black Cats progress and if they can find a decent replacement, selling Ekwah after just two seasons could be a significant profit.