Celtic told they could sign €7m midfielder for free after controversial summer contract wrangle

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Celtic’s summer transfer window is one that has annoyed the supporters this season.

Fan action against the Celtic board was taken as the summer transfer window was cited as one of the reasons for supporter unrest.

However, even though the window is shut, it appears Celtic could still make another quality addition to their squad.

And it seems that this free agent midfielder is one who is highly sought after across Europe.

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Celtic ‘alerted’ about Pierre Ekwah after bizarre contract cancelling

Mark Hendry reports that Celtic and Rangers have been made aware of the availability of French midfielder Pierre Ekwah.

The 23-year-old made a €7m move from Sunderland to St Etienne this summer after the French club triggered a loan-to-buy clause in his contract.

According to Footmercato, that left Ekwah deeply unhappy and so upset was the midfielder, he terminated his contract with immediate effect during the summer.

St Etienne have heard nothing from Ekwah as clubs from England, Italy and Belgium all look to sign the highly-rated midfielder for free this summer.

What Pierre Ekwah’s ex-manager said should worry Celtic

Celtic need stability in their first-team and whilst Ekwah would undoubtedly add quality, it appears that what he does behind the scenes could be detrimental to dressing room harmony at Parkhead.

When quizzed about Ekwah’s contract stance at the end of August, St Etienne manager Erik Horneland said, “I obviously tried to make contact with Pierre Ekwah, more about the start of the pre-season, but unfortunately I did not receive a response.

“I have no information on a possible training program for Pierre Ekwah. Since then, the management has maintained dialogue […] Ekwah is under contract, he is supposed to play with us. It’s a complicated situation. We will see by the end of the week.”

Bizarrely, the Ligue 1 side have already paid Sunderland the €7m transfer fee and it appears that there could be an ongoing court case to resolve that issue.

Whilst Ekwah is indeed a talented player, it appears that how the young midfielder conducts himself off the park should make Celtic steer clear of this particular free agent.