Sunderland are in advanced talks with St Etienne over a permanent deal for Pierre Ekwah, following a positive loan spell in France. The 22-year-old impressed last season despite St Etienne’s relegation from Ligue 1 and has emerged as a priority for new boss Eirik Horneland.
Initial fears that the French club couldn’t afford the pre-agreed £6m option have since eased, with Sunderland now open to renegotiating a reduced transfer fee. According to French sources, Horneland is pushing hard to retain the midfielder.
“I would also like to exercise the option to buy Pierre,” said Horneland. — via French press
The original deal brought Sunderland a £1m loan fee, and while West Ham United are due a cut from any permanent sale, the Black Cats are still set to bank a healthy profit on a player who joined from the Hammers in January 2023.
Milan Aleksic Poised for Partizan Belgrade Loan
Teenage midfielder Milan Aleksic is also nearing a move, with Sunderland ready to send the 19-year-old on a season-long loan to Partizan Belgrade. Signed from FC Radnički last August, Aleksic has yet to break into the first team and is considered not yet ready for Premier League football by head coach Regis Le Bris.
Despite interest in a permanent deal, Sunderland have opted for a development path — one that will allow Aleksic to gain experience and potentially return stronger in 2026.
| Player | Deal Type | Destination |
|---|---|---|
| Pierre Ekwah | Permanent Transfer | St Etienne |
| Milan Aleksic | Loan (Season-long) | Partizan Belgrade |
Sunderland Begin Summer Reshuffle Under Le Bris
With Regis Le Bris now shaping his squad for the Championship season, Sunderland transfer news is likely to ramp up. Ekwah’s exit frees up wages and provides capital, while Aleksic’s loan allows space for potential midfield reinforcements.
The Black Cats are also expected to offload other fringe players before finalising new signings ahead of their 2025/26 campaign. With profit and sustainability considerations still looming across the EFL, Sunderland’s prudent business approach could prove decisive.
- Sunderland transfer news: Ekwah exit to St Etienne close
- Horneland confirms he wants Ekwah permanently
- Aleksic set for loan back to Serbia with Partizan
- Le Bris reshaping squad with long-term view
- West Ham to receive sell-on from Ekwah deal
What’s Next for Sunderland?
Ekwah’s departure could be confirmed within days, pending final negotiations over the fee. Aleksic’s loan to Partizan is expected to be finalised by the end of the week — well in time for their Europa League qualifier vs AEK Larnaca on July 10.
Should Sunderland keep Ekwah or cash in now?
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