Sunderland, pushing hard in the Championship this season, are no strangers to the bittersweet pain of falling for a loan star.

Wilson Isidor, the £6m-rated French forward on loan from Zenit St Petersburg, has quickly become a fan favorite at the Stadium of Light. Since his summer arrival, Isidor’s performances and charismatic personality have won over supporters and club directors alike, leaving Sunderland bracing for a potential heartbreak if his stay isn’t made permanent.

Sunderland will be hoping history doesn’t repeat itself with Wilson Isidor, unlike the painful departure of former star Amad Diallo, now thriving at Manchester United. Unlike with Diallo, the Black Cats do have some optimism in the form of an option-to-buy clause in Isidor’s loan deal, providing hope that his successful stint at the Stadium of Light could lead to a permanent move.

Similarly, Sunderland’s hopes for Pierre Ekwah’s future are tied to an option-to-buy clause in his loan agreement with St Etienne. The 2024/25 season at the Ligue 1 club is crucial for Ekwah, with a £6 million permanent deal on the table if he continues his standout performances. Despite St Etienne’s rocky return to Ligue 1, Ekwah has emerged as one of the club’s brightest talents, starting in nine of their last ten matches as they battle just above the relegation zone.

Sunderland loanee Pierre Ekwah has admitted he’s open to staying at St Etienne beyond his current loan spell, expressing a sense of belonging at the French club. The former West Ham United midfielder, who has impressed during his time at St Etienne, was asked about his future this week. While Ekwah isn’t ready to close the door on a return to Sunderland, he confesses that he feels more like a permanent part of St Etienne than a temporary addition.

“It’s weird. I feel like I belong to Saint-Etienne. In my head, I’m not on loan,” Ekwah told Le Progres. “But, when I’m asked the question, I have to answer that I’m on loan. I’m between two clubs.” This openness to potentially staying at St Etienne adds another layer of intrigue to Ekwah’s future as he continues to shine in Ligue 1.

Pierre Ekwah has spoken candidly about his uncertain future, revealing that the question of staying at St Etienne is very much on his mind. Reflecting on his time at the French club, the Sunderland loanee admitted, “Will I stay? I can’t give an answer. In my mind, the question of staying is on the table. We’ll see. There, we are talking about [the feeling of] belonging. I belong to two clubs.”

Ekwah also highlighted how welcoming the St Etienne players and staff have been, making him feel like more than just a loanee. “The players and the staff never made me feel like I was on loan. When I arrived, I said to myself, ‘I’m here for a long time.'” His connection to St Etienne continues to grow stronger, leaving both clubs and fans wondering what the future holds for the talented midfielder.

Pierre Ekwah has explained why he made the move from Sunderland to St Etienne, revealing that the club’s legendary status in French football played a significant role in his decision. Despite St Etienne’s struggles in recent years, their history, with ten Ligue 1 titles—second only to Paris Saint-Germain—was a major draw for the young midfielder.

“Why Saint-Etienne? Because it’s Saint-Etienne! A legendary club,” Ekwah said during a press conference. “I had good discussions with the coach and the sporting director before signing. It reinforced my idea of ​​coming to Les Verts.” Ekwah’s admiration for the club’s rich legacy and the positive conversations with the coaching staff made the decision to join the Ligue 1 newcomers an easy one, as he looks to contribute to their revival.

Back at Sunderland, it’s uncertain whether Pierre Ekwah would have been a regular starter this season under former FC Lorient coach Regis Le Bris. The Black Cats are well-stocked in midfield with one of the Championship’s most exciting trios in Jobe Bellingham, Dan Neil, and Chris Rigg. While this combination has impressed, recent injuries and suspensions may have left Sunderland wishing they had a bit more depth in the midfield, a role Ekwah once made his own. His departure to St Etienne has left a gap that the club has had to navigate, highlighting just how competitive Sunderland’s midfield options have become.