If a recent report from FootMercato is believed to be true, Rangers have registered interest in Pierre Ekwah, who is available on a Bosman upon the termination of his Saint-Étienne contract. But the Gers are not alone in the hunt, with Serie A side Udinese, as well as an unnamed third club, keeping close tabs on the young midfielder.
The 23-year-old former France youth international spent a few years across RC Arpajonnais, Bretigny FCS, CFF Paris and Nantes back in his homeland before leaving for England. He signed his first professional contract with Chelsea, but left their esteemed academy ranks for West Ham United in the summer of 2021.
However, Ekwah failed to break into the Hammers’ first-team squad and, therefore, joined Sunderland for senior minutes in the Championship. He was a regular for the Black Cats at Wearside, but eventually returned to France last year, when Les Verts snapped him up on an initial season-long loan with an option to make the move permanent for €7m.
Although the French side suffered relegation, Ekwah was tied down earlier in the summer window, much against the player’s wishes. He decided not to play again for the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes outfit and is currently on furlough until the legal ramifications are resolved. The youngster would hope to play again this season, and the Gers might snap him up for free if they win the transfer battle. Celtic were also keen on having him a few months ago, but have since cooled their interest.
Why Rangers Should Step Up Their Interest In Ekwah
Despite witnessing a nightmare under Russell Martin, Rangers have lately revived their league form following Danny Rohl’s arrival as the Ibrox boss. The former Sheffield Wednesday gaffer is expected to be backed in the winter window, particularly after several below-par signings throughout the summer.
The Light Blues have ample options in the middle of the park. But the quality remains a concern, with Joe Rothwell and Kieran Dowell likely to part ways, having failed to make an impact north of the border. Rothwell has emerged as a transfer target for Sheffield United. Also, the Gers could lose Bailey Rice, the 19-year-old academy prodigy, who has been on the radar of Aston Villa and Sunderland.
This leaves them with Connor Barron as the only outright ‘number 6’, and the arrival of Ekwah would offer the much-needed expertise, given his ability to operate as a deep-lying playmaker. He could also slot in as a centre-half, thus offering flexibility in defensive shapes and transitions.
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