Ekwah to go? 4 Sunderland AFC players who face an uncertain end of August | OneFootball

With under a week to go until the end of the transfer window, there are four players who could leave the Stadium of Light.

While much of the media attention has been tilted towards Sunderland's strenuous striker search, there are several Black Cats who face an uncertain end to August, with the exit door creaking open.

A number of players left the Stadium of Light on free transfers earlier this summer, with Bradley Dack, Jack Diamond and Elliot Embleton the most notable departures from the North East club.

With less than a week now to go until the transfer window closes, there are four names who could be set to depart the club - let's take a look at those who face uncertain futures on Wearside.

Pierre Ekwah

If Ekwah were to leave the Stadium of Light, then he would be the highest profile departure of the window for Regis Le Bris' side.

An exit for Ekwah could be on the cards, given he has been the subject of interest from Italian side, Udinese. It was reported that the Wearsiders turned down an offer of €5 million for the midfielder earlier in the window, as per Loic Tanzi.

Since Alan Browne's arrival from Preston North End, Ekwah has fallen down the pecking order under Regis Le Bris. Furthermore, the continued rise of Chris Rigg will mean minutes will be even harder to come by for the 22-year-old.

During his spell on Wearside, the Frenchman has shown considerable potential but has been inconsistent in performances, and this summer might just represent the perfect time for the central midfielder to leave if the price is right.

Jewison Bennette

Bennette looks set to leave the Stadium of Light on loan following news he has reportedly been lined up by League One side, Reading.

The Tilehurst End have claimed on social media this past week that Bennette is being targeted, as Ruben Selles desperately looks to put moves together following the takeover of Rob Couhig as owner.

The Costa Rican international made a promising start to his Sunderland career and scored a vital equaliser for the club against Watford during the 2022/23 season. However, the winger has struggled for minutes since and would benefit from a loan move for his development.

The 20-year-old endured a torrid loan spell last season at Greek side, Aris Thessaloniki, where he made just two appearances. With the winger's next move of paramount importance, Reading should present the ideal opportunity for Bennette for game-time and experience in English football.

Timothee Pembele

Le Bris spoke out openly to the press about the possibility of Pembele leaving the club, with a loan looking possible for the former Paris Saint Germain man.

“Yes, we are looking for the possibility of a loan but nothing is close at the moment," Le Bris told the Sunderland Echo on the future of the French defender.

There was an air of expectation around the arrival of Pembele on Wearside. Having arrived from PSG, the right-back had plenty of Ligue 1 experience and even a Champions League appearance to his name, but he is yet to perform in red and white.

With the potential there on paper, a loan move would benefit the player and club alike, but as of yet there have been no suitors for the 21-year-old.

Luis 'Hemir' Semedo

With Sunderland set to make a breakthrough in the striking department with the signing of Wilson Isidor, as per Sport Express in Russia, it is expected that a forward will depart before the end of the window, with Semedo the likeliest to leave.

With Isidor expected to arrive through the door, the Wearsiders would have four recognised strikers, with Nazariy Rusyn and Eliezer Mayenda also available. Semedo has fallen down the pecking order behind Mayenda and Rusyn, meaning a move for the 21-year-old would make sense.

The Portuguese striker started Sunderland's opener against Ipswich Town last season, but was pulled by Tony Mowbray after 59 minutes. With the striker struggling for minutes, a loan move would be ideal for his development.