Hornets Beat Deadline to Land Experienced EFL Midfielder On Loan

Hornets Beat Deadline to Land Experienced EFL Midfielder On Loan

Watford have acquired the loan singing of Saint Etienne midfielder Pierre Ekwah on loan for the rest of the season, as per Luca Bedoni. The deal is set to be a loan with an obligation to buy at the end of the season, the potential transfer fee is unknown at this time.

🚨✅️ Pierre Ekwah to Watford... on time! Deal done! 🟡⚫️ #WatfordFC https://t.co/3aHg5sv94Y

— Luca Bendoni (@LucaBendoni) February 2, 2026

Ekwah's Journey

At 24 years old, Pierre Ekwah brings a wealth of experience despite his young age. He progressed through the ranks at Chelsea, featuring for their U21 side, before spells in the academies of West Ham United and Sunderland. It was at Sunderland that Ekwah made his breakthrough into senior football, going on to make 61 appearances for the Black Cats across three Championship seasons.

On this day in 2023… 🗓️

Sunderland signed Pierre Ekwah! 🇫🇷#SAFCpic.twitter.com/IWX4TTzefH

— Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod) January 23, 2024

The beginning of the 2024/25 season saw Ekwah become surplus to requirements at the Stadium of Light, and the midfielder was sold to Ligue 1 outlet Saint-Etienne. Ekwah has featured 30 times for Saint-Etienne since signing for the club.

How He Fits In At Vicarage Road

Currently sitting in 10th place in the Championship, Watford have shown glimpses of brilliance this season however they have ultimately failed to gain consistency. The club have drifted in and out of the play-off positions.

Pierre Ekwah offers stability in the midfield, and the player could be a potential wildcard for the club who currently sit 4 points off the play-off spots.

EXCLUSIVE: Watford legend open to surprise return as Javi Gracia replacement https://t.co/X546kV4Rzm

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) February 2, 2026

With 17 games to play for Watford in the Championship, and yet another new manager on the horizon, there is still time for them to make a real charge for promotion, and Pierre Ekwah may be exactly what they need.