Pierre Ekwah set to join AJ Auxerre on loan from Saint-Etienne

Pierre Ekwah is set to leave AS Saint-Etienne and join AJ Auxerre on loan as the French-Cameroonian midfielder looks to restart his career in Ligue 1.

According to Foot Mercato, Saint-Etienne and Auxerre have reached an agreement for a paid loan worth €300,000. The deal also contains a non-mandatory purchase option valued at €6m.

Auxerre have moved quickly to reinforce their midfield after Assane Dioussé suffered a serious injury that will keep him out for an extended period.

Dioussé sustained a ruptured cruciate ligament, leaving the Burgundy club needing another option in midfield. Ekwah has emerged as the solution and is expected to begin a new chapter with Auxerre.

The move could also provide the 23-year-old with an opportunity to get his career back on track after a difficult period at Saint-Etienne.

Ekwah recently returned to his parent club following a loan spell at Watford. During his time with the Championship side, he made seven appearances.

However, he had not featured for Saint-Etienne since the beginning of pre-season. His situation at the club had been complicated for several months, although he continued to train normally with the rest of the squad.

Ekwah’s departure now appears close after he travelled to Burgundy on Wednesday to undergo his medical examination.

The midfielder is expected to complete the formalities of his transfer shortly, with the next step being the signing of his contract with Auxerre.

For Auxerre, the arrival of Ekwah provides additional depth in an area affected by Dioussé’s injury. The club have opted to bring in the midfielder on loan, while retaining the possibility of making the move permanent through the €6m purchase option.

For Ekwah, the transfer represents a fresh opportunity after a period in which regular first-team football proved difficult to secure at Saint-Etienne.

His spell at Watford gave him the chance to return to competitive action, but his seven Championship appearances were not enough to establish a regular place before his return to France.

Now, with Auxerre stepping in to strengthen their midfield, Ekwah is on the verge of another opportunity in Ligue 1.

His medical has already taken place in Burgundy, leaving the midfielder close to completing his move away from Saint-Etienne and beginning his new chapter with Auxerre.