Sunderland Must Keep This Young Star This Summer – And It’s Not Rigg or Bellingham: Opinion As Sunderland continues its push for a return to the Premier League, much of the attention has naturally been drawn toward the club’s highly-touted prospects like Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham. While both have captured headlines with their precocious talent and undeniable potential, there’s another young gem quietly making waves on Wearside who deserves just as much attention – Pierre Ekwah.

Signed from West Ham United’s academy in early 2023, Ekwah has rapidly established himself as a key component of Sunderland’s midfield. At just 22 years old, he offers the perfect blend of physicality, composure, and tactical intelligence. While Rigg and Bellingham represent the future, Ekwah is very much the present — and Sunderland must do everything in their power to keep him this summer.

One of Ekwah’s most impressive traits is his ability to control the tempo of a match. Calm under pressure, he plays with a maturity beyond his years, often dictating play from deep with accurate passes and clever positioning. His vision and composure make him an ideal pivot in midfield, and when paired with the youthful energy of players like Bellingham, he provides the stability and balance that every successful side needs.

Beyond his technical qualities, Ekwah’s physical presence sets him apart. Standing at 6’2”, he’s dominant in duels, capable of breaking up opposition attacks and recovering possession with minimal fuss. In the Championship, where games are often intense and physical, his size and strength give Sunderland a competitive edge in the middle of the park.

What makes the situation urgent is the increasing interest from other clubs. It’s not hard to imagine teams in the Premier League or abroad eyeing Ekwah as a low-risk, high-upside signing. He has the traits of a modern midfielder – athletic, technical, and tactically sound – and his performances have not gone unnoticed. Losing him would not only weaken Sunderland’s squad but also disrupt the development and balance of the team’s engine room.

Moreover, Ekwah’s leadership potential is something Sunderland can’t afford to overlook. While still young, he carries himself with a professionalism and drive that’s infectious. For a squad still finding its identity post-relegation and during its rebuild, Ekwah could be a cornerstone around which the team is built.

While fans are right to be excited about Rigg’s immense promise or Bellingham’s growing influence, Sunderland’s hierarchy must recognize that Ekwah’s value extends beyond what he does on the pitch. His presence is integral to the cohesion and competitiveness of the side.

If Sunderland harbors genuine ambitions of climbing back to the Premier League in the near future, keeping hold of Pierre Ekwah should be at the top of their summer priority list. Talents like Rigg and Bellingham may be the headlines — but Ekwah is the heartbeat. Letting him go now would be a step backward when everything points toward a bright future.