Anderlecht eyes physical boost with Pierre Ekwah on shortlist

RSC Anderlecht, eager to end a trophy‑less campaign, have placed 24‑year‑old French midfielder Pierre Ekwah on their summer shortlist, according to transfer specialist Sacha Tavolieri, with the player currently contracted to AS Saint‑Étienne after a spell at Watford in the English Championship.

Anderlecht enters the new campaign without a trophy and has signalled a need for a quality injection after last season’s disappointment. The club expects a hard‑working summer, both on the pitch and in the transfer market, to restore its position at the top.

Pierre Ekwah spent the previous season on loan at Watford in the English Championship, having been loaned from AS Saint‑Étienne. After the loan spell he returned to Saint‑Étienne, although his stay may be brief.

Ekwah’s development began in France before he moved to Chelsea in 2018, joining the club’s U18 side. He later featured for Chelsea’s U23 team before continuing his career at West Ham United.

In early 2023 he transferred to Sunderland, where he accumulated 61 appearances, contributed two assists and scored five goals. The following summer he was loaned to AS Saint‑Étienne, and a year later the French side secured his permanent transfer for €6 million.

Despite the €6 million deal, Ekwah did not feature again for Saint‑Étienne, prompting a winter move to Watford where he made seven appearances in the second half of the season. His profile is that of a physically robust central midfielder capable of adding strength and volume to a team’s core.

Anderlecht’s scouting department, led by Sacha Tavolieri, is reportedly charmed by Ekwah’s defensive midfield abilities and has placed him on the shortlist for this summer’s market. Transfermarkt currently estimates his market value at €2 million, though no formal bid has been disclosed.

A recent tweet from the club’s official account highlighted the renewed interest, stating that the RSCA direction appreciates the defensive midfield of Saint‑Étienne and has added Ekwah to its shortlist. The post was tagged with #mercato, #JPL and #ASSE, signalling a dossier to follow.