Auxerre consider ending Pierre Ekwah’s loan as Will Still loses confidence in midfielder

Pierre Ekwah’s future at AJ Auxerre is already uncertain, with the Ligue 1 club reportedly considering terminating his loan from AS Saint-Etienne following his struggles to secure regular playing time.

The 24-year-old midfielder joined Auxerre on August 26 on a season-long loan with an option to buy, hoping to revive his career in France’s top flight.

However, his return to Ligue 1 has not gone according to plan, with Ekwah managing just five appearances and 52 minutes across all competitions.

According to Foot en France, head coach Will Still and his technical staff are unconvinced by the midfielder’s performances and are already exploring the possibility of ending his loan agreement.

Ekwah’s absence from the squad for Sunday’s 5-1 defeat against Strasbourg further highlighted his difficult situation, with the decision reportedly based on the coach’s preference rather than an injury.

Saint-Étienne unwilling to welcome Ekwah back

Ekwah’s situation is complicated by Saint-Étienne’s reported reluctance to take him back should Auxerre decide to terminate the agreement.

According to Foot en France, the Ligue 2 club has not yet been approached about an early termination but does not intend to reintegrate a player who no longer features in its sporting plans.

Consequently, Auxerre would have to find another destination for the midfielder if it decides to end his current loan arrangement.

The situation represents a significant departure from the expectations surrounding Ekwah’s arrival.

When he joined Auxerre, Still viewed him as an important addition capable of providing control, composure and experience in midfield following Elisha Owusu’s departure and Assane Dioussé’s injury.

However, the former Sunderland midfielder has struggled to establish himself in the team.

Ekwah faces uncertain future

Despite the growing uncertainty, no decision has been finalised regarding the termination of his loan.

Ekwah remains an Auxerre player for the time being and will need to convince Still that he deserves another opportunity.

His current situation is particularly disappointing considering his previous Ligue 1 experience with Saint-Étienne, where he made 29 appearances during the 2024/25 campaign.

The midfielder now faces an important period in his career as he attempts to regain the confidence of his coaching staff and secure regular playing time.

For Auxerre, finding a suitable solution could prove complicated, particularly given Saint-Étienne’s reported unwillingness to accept an early return.