Franco-Cameroonian midfielder Pierre Ekwah joins Auxerre on loan from Saint-Etienne

Franco-Cameroonian midfielder Pierre Ekwah has completed a move to French Ligue 1 outfit AJ Auxerre in the current summer transfer window.

Ekwah joins on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy, giving the 24-year-old another opportunity to compete in France’s top flight.

The move means Ekwah will not feature in Ligue 2 with Saint-Etienne this season. Instead, he will return to Ligue 1 with Auxerre, where he will look to establish himself as an important part of the team’s midfield.

The transfer represents Ekwah’s second consecutive loan spell. The midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan at English Championship side Watford, gaining further experience away from Saint-Etienne.

His future could become permanent if he impresses during his time at Auxerre. The club have an option to buy included in the agreement and could decide to activate it at the end of the 2026–2027 campaign.

Ekwah already has experience of Ligue 1, having represented Saint-Etienne in the French top flight during the 2024–2025 season. He made 29 appearances in the division, giving him a solid understanding of the demands and intensity of the competition.

Now, the midfielder will be hoping to build on that experience with Auxerre and play a key role in their campaign.

For Saint-Etienne, the loan provides Ekwah with an opportunity to continue his development and potentially increase his market value, while Auxerre will be hoping his previous Ligue 1 experience can make an immediate impact.