Celtic has been alerted to another signing opportunity in the free agent market, 22 year-old, former Sunderland and Saint-Étienne midfielder Pierre Ekwah…
Pierre Ekwah of Sunderland celebrates scoring during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Stoke City at Stadium of Light on January 27, 2024. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
Although the transfer window has shut, teams are still able to sign free agents, and a new name has now emerged as a potential option for the Hoops.
Writing on his Substack, Mark Hendry noted that French midfielder Pierre Ekwah is in search of a new team following his departure from Saint-Étienne earlier this month. The 22-year-old parted ways with the club by mutual consent and is weighing up his options.
Pierre Ekwah of Sunderland reacts to his team conceding their first goal during the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg match between Luton Town v Sunderland at Kenilworth Road on May 16, 2023. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Ekwah signed for Sunderland in 2023 where he arrived from West Ham United’s academy and established himself as a consistent performer in their starting eleven. Standing out as a tall, athletic midfielder, he built a reputation for breaking up opposition attacks while also carrying the ball forward.
“Both Celtic and (the)Rangers have been made aware of a central midfielder available this month,” Hendry reported, adding that teams have already contacted his representatives about his circumstances.
Sunderland player Pierre Ekwah challenged by Birmingham player Ivan Sunjic during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Birmingham City at Stadium of Light on November 11, 2023. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Celtic have faced a thin midfield squad in recent weeks because of injuries and rotation. Although they have not yet approached Ekwah directly, his background in both English and French football could make him a tempting addition especially given Callum McGregor seems as if he is the only player that can play that ‘number six’ role, although some supporters have called for Arne Engels to be played there allowing the Celtic captain to be pushed further forward into a ‘eight’ role.
What is clear is that Brendan Rodgers so far this season has failed to find the right combination in the middle of the park this season. The McGregor-Hatate-Nygren combination looks disjointed. Prior to Saturday, Luke McCowan, Paulo Bernardo and Arne Engels have been used as bit part players. It is an issue the manager needs to get to grips with.
Pierre Ekwah (C) of Sunderland shoots to score during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Stoke City at Stadium of Light on January 27, 2024. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
The 22 year-old has ample time to develop, and being a free agent adds to his appeal since no transfer fee would be required. It’s unclear if Celtic will act, but Ekwah is now a name being discussed as a potential option for the Scottish champions, or he may still end up playing in Glasgow but not for us!
Conor Spence
Conor, if he’s as good as they say then you’d possibly have better luck writing directly to Rodgers and referring this article on thecelticstar.com to him. You would at the very least make Rodgers aware of his availability. You’ve got nothing to lose other than a bit of time to write the letter. Why not? Go for it. But be quick. Or contact him on social media if you can? ; )
Scoddish Churnalism 101, Celtic AND R*NGERS AND R*NGERS!! Are in for the same player. I laugh and cringe every time. They need to sell clicks after all…
McGregor has always been better as a proper CM, getting forward and scoring goals.
Reality is his legs are going and we need forward planning (fed up talking about this) to get a long term DM replacement.
We’ve never signed one in the squad to support him properly. Never.
It’s the reason he always plays the role week in week out, it’s the reason nobody else knows how to do it either (they never get the time to learn), and it’s the reason Calmac gets burned out by March every year.
Let’s all be honest here, the only time the club are going to splash the cash on a proper player in that position is when:
1. Calmac retires and
2. No cheap or free alternative has been found
A player let go by St Etienne might not necessarily be a “bad player”, but what’s the point signing anybody, even for free, who literally won’t get a game if the manager doesn’t rotate the captain out the squad?
Breath not being held.