Watford Agree Deal for Former Chelsea Midfielder

Pierre Ekwah Set to Provide Helpful Squad Depth for Hornets

Watford are approaching an agreement with Saint Etienne over a loan deal for Pierre Ekwah, reports Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph.

The 24-year-old has recently attracted attention from Rangers and Udinese. He has not played for Saint Etienne this season due to an ongoing legal dispute regarding his contract.

The ex-West Ham academy prospect made 61 appearances for Sunderland between 2023 and 2024, and also played a full Ligue 1 campaign on loan at Saint Etienne in the 2024/25 season.

Experience in England and France

The former French youth international, who has also been on the books at Chelsea’s academy, had a permanent buy clause triggered in his loan contract in France last summer without the player's agreement, which has led to a messy court saga.

Ekwah would add healthy competition for the Hornets’ two starting defensive midfield spots, joining Edo Kayembe, Hector Kyprianou, Nampalys Mendy, and Imran Louza, who are already battling for starting minutes.

Watford are close to agreeing a deal for Saint-Etienne defensive midfielder Pierre Ekwah.

It’s understood the clubs are in advanced talks over a loan move for the 24-year-old.

Ekwah joined the French club from Sunderland last summer.#WFC #DeadlineDay pic.twitter.com/tcmuhvp95W

— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) February 2, 2026

Watford sit four points outside of the play-offs, having parted ways with head coach Javi Gracia just yesterday. Ekwah would be a cheap temporary arrival, as someone with Championship experience who can play anywhere between central midfield and centre half. However, there will be concerns that the 24-year-old has not played first team football since May 2025.

His former manager at the Black Cats, Tony Mowbray, described Ekwah as a “wonderful player” that “has a huge future in front of him as long as he understands the parts of his game that he has to keep developing.”