Sunderland AFC has reportedly turned down a £4 million offer from Serie A side Udinese for their highly-rated midfielder Pierre Ekwah, signaling their intent to hold onto key players as they pursue a return to the Premier League. The bid, which comes as no surprise given Ekwah’s impressive performances, was swiftly rejected by the Black Cats, highlighting the club’s ambitions under new manager Roger Le Bris.
Roger Le Bris, who was appointed as Sunderland’s head coach earlier this summer, has made it clear that he intends to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level. With Sunderland’s history and their loyal fan base, the pressure is on to secure promotion to the Premier League after a lengthy absence. Le Bris’ tenure began on a positive note with a 2-0 victory over Cardiff City in their season opener, but the manager knows that maintaining momentum will require keeping key players like Ekwah at the club.
Pierre Ekwah, a 22-year-old French midfielder, has been a standout performer for Sunderland since joining the club. His versatility, technical ability, and vision on the pitch have made him a fan favorite and a critical component of Le Bris’ plans. It is no wonder that clubs across Europe, including Udinese, have taken notice.
According to reports from French journalist Loïc Tanzi, Udinese initially offered £4 million (€5 million) for Ekwah, a bid that was quickly rebuffed by Sunderland. The Italian side’s interest is understandable given their need to bolster their midfield, but Sunderland’s refusal to entertain the offer sends a clear message: they are not willing to part with their key assets unless a significantly higher bid is made.
The decision to reject Udinese’s offer also suggests that Sunderland values Ekwah far beyond his current market price. The midfielder’s potential is undeniable, and the Black Cats are keen to see him develop further in their ranks rather than cashing in prematurely. As the transfer window remains open for another two weeks, it remains to be seen whether Udinese or other clubs will return with an improved bid.
For now, Sunderland fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Ekwah remains a part of their squad. With the club’s Premier League ambitions firmly in focus, retaining top talent like Ekwah is essential. As the season progresses, Sunderland will undoubtedly face more challenges on and off the pitch, but with a strong squad and a determined manager, the Black Cats are poised to make a serious push for promotion.
In the meantime, Roger Le Bris will continue to assess his squad and explore opportunities to strengthen it before the transfer window closes. The rejection of Udinese’s bid for Ekwah is just one example of Sunderland’s resolve to build a team capable of achieving their long-term goals. As the transfer saga unfolds, one thing is clear: Sunderland is not a club willing to compromise on its aspirations.
Leave a Reply