Celtic struggled to close deals during the previous summer transfer window, despite being connected with a big list of players. One of the positions they were expected to enhance was defensive midfield, but they did not make any additions there.
However, it appears that an opportunity to sign a defensive midfielder has presented itself unexpectedly. It’s someone whose contract was just cancelled and is now available as a free agent.
According to Mark Hendry of Substack, both Celtic and Rangers have been made aware of Pierre Ekwah’s availability. On September 1, the Frenchman’s contract with Saint-Étienne was cancelled by mutual consent.
Before joining St Etienne, Ekwah spent a significant amount of time in England during his youth and senior careers. He was once a member of Chelsea’s youth system, however he never played in the first squad. This was also true for West Ham United.
Celtic offered the chance to sign ex-Chelsea player out of nowhere.
Ekwah would eventually make his senior debut with Sunderland. However, he never played in the Premier League with them, instead making 54 appearances in the English Championship.
He would play top-level football at St Etienne. But his time with the French club is done, and it’s evident he’s looking for his next destination.
Will that be in Scotland? He appears to be open to joining both Celtic and Rangers. So, would any of them want to sign him at this time?
In some ways, a relocation seems like a good idea for Celtic. It looks that the possibility to sign a defensive midfielder has come their way. That being stated, people must be convinced that they are making the appropriate decision.
A closer look at the metrics reveals more about Ekwah’s defensive midfield abilities and what he could provide to Celtic. According to FBREF, compared to positional counterparts in men’s Big 5 leagues, UCL, and UEL over the last 365 days, he ranks 96th in interceptions and 91st in clearances. In addition, he ranks 81st in passing completion percentage, 77th in passes attempted, and 68th in aerials won.
Interestingly, he is not a big tackler and ranks 44th in terms of tackles. In addition, the Frenchman is just in the 23rd percentile for progressive carries.
Based on those figures, it’s clear that Ekwah would contribute to Celtic’s defensive game. However, he is unlikely to make a significant effect in the future.
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