As the end of the mercato approached, the AS Saint-Étienne faced a persistent situation concerning the departure of Pierre Ekwah. The Spanish club in Levante expressed a sustained interest in the French field environment, submitting two successive proposals. Initially, a paid loan offer with a purchase option of €6.5 million was refused by the Stéphanois management. Then Levante increased its stakes with a more ambitious proposal, including a loan paying around 500,000 euros and a purchase option of 7 million euros, reflecting their real willingness to recruit the former player from Sunderland and Chelsea.

The management of AS Saint-Étienne categorically rejected these two offers, a decision perceived as unexpected and potentially unfavourable financially. ASSE could have accepted these proposals, thus avoiding the current complications and potentially recovering part of the initial €6 million investment made last June for Ekwah’s signature. However, this refusal seems to be a decision in principle, aimed at asserting the club’s authority and reminding Ekwah of its contractual obligations, especially after its refusal to resume training.

This attitude, although intended to preserve the club’s image, could have long-term negative consequences. Pierre Ekwah is considered one of the most talented field environments on the staff, but his desire to leave Saint-Étienne is clear and the tensions accumulated weaken the relationship between the player and the club. Without a solution, ASSE risks a prolonged conflict with a frustrated player, complicating sport management and requiring intervention to ease the crisis. For now, Pierre Ekwah’s future in Saint-Étienne remains uncertain.