Anderlecht targets Saint-Étienne’s Pierre Ekwah after Edward Still’s spell

Anderlecht’s newly appointed director sportif Antoine Sibierski is reportedly eyeing defensive midfielder Pierre Ekwah, who briefly trained under Edward Still at Watford, as a potential signing. The move would link a player whose recent loan spell coincided with Still’s short tenure to a club looking to boost its midfield quality.

Sibierski previously served as director sportif at Troyes, where he helped the club secure promotion to Ligue 1 for the 2026‑27 season. His familiarity with the French elite pipeline positions him to identify talent such as Ekwah.

Pierre Ekwah remains under contract with AS Saint‑Étienne but is set to miss the training call‑up on Wednesday 1 July, delaying his participation in the new season’s preparations. The transfer file has been pending since the summer of 2025.

Ekwah arrived at Saint‑Étienne on loan from Sunderland in the summer of 2024, with an option to purchase that the French club later exercised for €6 million. Despite the team’s relegation from Ligue 1, he completed a respectable season in the top flight.

In January, a provisional solution saw him loaned to Watford in the English Championship, where he made seven appearances during Edward Still’s brief spell at Vicarage Road. The stint yielded limited impact, as he failed to secure a regular starting role.

Saint‑Étienne, eager to recoup part of the €6 million investment, faces the challenge of a player who has lost rhythm and match time during the contractual dispute. The club’s relegation has reduced its incentive to retain Ekwah.

According to Sacha Tavolieri, Ekwah’s technical profile aligns with the type of midfielder Sibierski aims to add to RSC Anderlecht’s midfield. He is reportedly high on the Belgian club’s shortlist.

The contrast between Ekwah’s stalled development and Anderlecht’s ambition highlights a potential turning point for the player’s career. Negotiations will determine whether the move materialises and restores his playing rhythm.