Sunderland have seen a number of their players linked with the Premier League this summer.
Sunderland have some prize assets within their first-team squad right now.
So far this summer, a number of Black Cats players have been linked with moves away.
There’s Premier League interest in Jack Clarke and in Anthony Patterson too, whilst RC Lens have been linked with Dan Ballard this summer.
Elsewhere, Lazio have an interest in Jobe Bellingham which has persisted for some time now, whilst Leicester City have been linked with Pierre Ekwah.
Ekwah, 22, featured just twice in pre-season owing to injury, but the Frenchman made his return vs Cardiff City.
He was an unused substitute as Sunderland beat Cardiff City 2-0 in Regis Le Bris’ first game as manager.
Last time round, Ekwah disappointed many, failing to live up to the standards he set in his first half-season at the club in 2023.
Now, Le Bris has given his verdict on Ekwah’s future at the Stadium of Light.
Regis Le Bris on Pierre Ekwah’s Sunderland future
Speaking to The Northern Echo, Le Bris failed to rule out a possible summer exit for Ekwah, who’s on Leicester City’s radar following their promotion to the Premier League.
Other teams have been mentioned alongside Ekwah in the past, including Crystal Palace, Fulham, and Nottingham Forest.
Le Bris said when asked if Ekwah could leave this summer: “Everything is possible.
“At the moment, Pierre has only been able to play two games in pre season and in the second one, he got injured very early.
“So now he’s ready to play and to compete for the team.
“For sure, he needs some time to feel better and to build confidence and sharpness.
“So my focus is on tomorrow’s game and then after that, we will see what happens.
“At the moment, he is still with us and I have no expectations as to what happens.”
Kristjaan Speakman and Sunderland must cash in on Pierre Ekwah soon
Of all of Sunderland’s in demand players right now, Ekwah seems like the most dispensable.
The central midfield position is one with great depth and quality for Sunderland right now, with Bellingham, Dan Neil, Alan Browne, and Chris Rigg all possible starters.
So for Kristjaan Speakman, selling Ekwah might make financial sense for the club, and it could also give the Black Cats some vital funding in their ongoing striker search.
The game vs Cardiff proved that Le Bris can’t rely on Eliezer Mayenda all season.
Sunderland are still in desperate need of a striker and they’re learning this summer that a good striker doesn’t come cheap, so for Speakman, cashing in on Ekwah, and soon, could be a smart move.
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