Everything that has been said about Pierre Ekwah as Rangers face Old Firm transfer tussle
Former Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah could be set to join Rangers on a free transfer.
Ekwah left Sunderland for £6m to permanently join Saint-Etienne earlier in the transfer window.
However, Ekwah’s contract was terminated on 1 September in a shocking turn of events.
Rangers have previously shown interest in Ekwah, and he is now a free agent following his tumultuous summer.
Russell Martin is in need of more experience in his Rangers team, yet they face a battle to acquire the midfielder’s services.
Rangers and Celtic must battle it out for Pierre Ekwah
Journalist Mark Hendry has reported that Ekwah has been offered to Rangers and Celtic.
Rangers will need to beat their Old Firm rivals to the talented midfielder’s signature, and if they were to do so, it would mark a real statement of ambition.
The 23-year-old has had quite a unique journey through the English youth system before eventually making his breakthrough at Sunderland.
- Chelsea (2018 – 2020)
- West Ham (2020-2023)
- Sunderland (2023 – 2024)
- Saint Etienne (2024 – now)
Ekwah has idolised Zinedine Zidane in the past, yet he’s a much more defensive-minded player, who has even played at centre-back when needed.
Ekwah failed to fit into Regis Le Bris’ plans at Sunderland, and he was sent on loan to Saint Etienne last season.
Le Bris said: “I think Pierre is a boy who needs a new challenge. He’s a gifted player with a lot of qualities, but he needs an exciting challenge to motivate him and keep him going.”
However, former Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray was full of praise for the French midfielder, saying, “he’s a wonderful player and he has a huge future in front of him as long as he understands the parts of his game that he has to keep developing.”
Mohamed Diomande has struggled this season, and the addition of Ekwah would provide some much-needed competition in midfield.
However, it’s all up to unpopular sporting director Kevin Thelwell if Ekwah makes a move to Govan.
Kevin Thelwell must get Pierre Ekwah deal over the line
Thelwell has been criticised for some of the transfers he sanctioned over the summer.
Many of the new arrivals have failed to adapt to Martin’s style of play, including Mikey Moore and Nasser Djiga.
Not only is Ekwah available for free, but he brings many traits that align with the philosophy that Martin is trying to implement at Ibrox.
Ekwah’s reliability is invaluable, as he has played 73 matches in the last two seasons.
It would be a real coup for Rangers to sign the 23-year-old, and if an agreement is struck, Thelwell can slowly start to build back his credibility with Rangers fans.
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