Alious**Regis Le Bris Poised to Make Pivotal Decisions on Two Sunderland Loanees with Contrasting Fortunes**
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris faces crucial decisions regarding the futures of two loanees whose performances have diverged sharply over the 2024/25 season.
Director of Football Kristjaan Speakman facilitated several loan moves ahead of the Championship campaign, as Le Bris sought to streamline his squad. This strategy continued into the January transfer window, with Adil Aouchiche’s temporary switch to Portsmouth sparking mixed reactions among fans.
Currently, Sunderland has several players gaining experience elsewhere, including Nectarios Triantis at Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership, alongside French duo Pierre Ekwah and Timothee Pembele, both on loan in Ligue 1. While both have earned playing time in France, their trajectories couldn’t be more different—one appears destined for an integral role at Sunderland, while the other’s future at the club seems increasingly uncertain.
**Pierre Ekwah’s Standout Form Could Cement His Place in Sunderland’s Midfield**
Ekwah has been thriving on loan at Saint-Étienne, becoming a key figure in Eirik Horneland’s midfield. The 23-year-old has consistently delivered standout performances, with his recent display against Stade Rennais particularly impressive. He registered 96 touches and completed 63 accurate passes, showcasing his ability to control the tempo of the game.
Averaging 17.8 passes in the opposition half per match, Ekwah has proven himself adept both defensively and offensively. His defensive prowess rivals that of Sunderland’s Salis Abdul Samed, but Ekwah’s superior passing range and progressive play make him a potential upgrade. Given his development, it’s hard to argue against Ekwah earning a pivotal role at the Stadium of Light next season.
**Timothee Pembele’s Struggles Likely Signal the End of His Sunderland Career**
In stark contrast, Timothee Pembele’s loan spell at Le Havre has been underwhelming. After spending most of January on the bench, he finally made a brief 13-minute appearance in a 2-1 win over Lille, contributing little in that short span.
Pembele’s struggles stem from a disastrous outing against Marseille, where Le Havre conceded five goals. His performance in that match was dismal—he completed just one tackle, lost possession seven times, and won only one of six duels, earning a low rating of 5.5.
These struggles suggest Pembele’s time at Sunderland is effectively over. His lack of impact, both on loan and during his previous stints at Wearside, makes it unlikely that Le Bris will reintegrate him into the first team.
**A Tale of Two Loanees**
As Sunderland looks to the future, Le Bris faces contrasting decisions: reintegrate the impressive Ekwah, who has shown he can elevate the team’s midfield, or cut ties with Pembele, whose performances have failed to inspire confidence. These choices could significantly shape Sunderland’s squad for the 2025/26 season.
Alious
