Nigeria Players Abroad
OFFICIAL: Saudi outfit Al Khalood announces William Troost-Ekong’s signing
By Monsurah Olatunji
Nigeria international William Troost-Ekong has completed a move to Saudi Arabian Pro League club Al Khalood.
The defender, born in the Netherlands, has reportedly signed a two-year contract with the option for a third year, in a deal valued around €1.2 million, according to The Athletic.
The transfer was confirmed shortly after Troost-Ekong posted a heartfelt farewell to PAOK Thessaloniki FC on social media. The Nigerian will join Al Khalood for the 2024/2025 Saudi Pro League season.
This move marks the second-highest transfer of Troost-Ekong’s career, surpassing his €3.3 million transfer from Bursaspor to Udinese in August 2018.
His career began with a €1.05 million transfer from KAA Gent to Bursaspor in 2017. Troost-Ekong has also played for Tottenham Hotspur, Udinese, and Watford before his stint at PAOK.
During his single season with PAOK, Troost-Ekong contributed significantly to their Super League title win and led Nigeria to a silver medal at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, where he was named the tournament’s best player after scoring three goals.
Troost-Ekong departs PAOK with a league title to his name and will now look to make an impact at Al Khalood, the club’s sixth summer signing following their promotion to the Saudi top flight last season.
