Troost-Ekong bids PAOK bye, joins Saudi club

Super Eagles skipper Wiliam Troost-Ekong has penned PAOK Thessaloniki a moving farewell letter after securing a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Kholood, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 30-year-old centre, who back had a splendid last season at the Greek club, starting all 10 Super League 1 matches, took to his Instagram page to bid them goodbye on Friday in a statement, which read, “After an amazing year and season in Thessaloniki, I want to thank everyone for the opportunity to share and be part of those moments with you. I want to thank the President, club staff, medical team, General Lucescu, assistants, and especially my team mates, who have become family, for the belief and hard work that resulted in an unforgettable championship and special European nights. To the fans, thank you for the support through difficult times. Toumba is something special, and now I understand what Mono PAOK means. I wish everyone another successful season, and I will continue to follow PAOK.All the best!Will.”

According to The Athletic, Troost-Ekong joined the club on a deal worth around €1.2 million on a two-year contract with an option for a third year.

The €1.2 million transfer fee makes this move the second-highest transfer of Troost-Ekong’s career.

His most expensive transfer came in August 2018, when Serie A club Udinese paid €3.3 million to secure his services from Turkish side Bursaspor.

Interestingly, Bursaspor was the first club to spend money on Troost-Ekong, acquiring him for €1.05 million from KAA Gent in 2017.

The Netherland-born, who had a laudable AFCON campaign with Nigeria, has also played at Tottenham Hotspur, Udinese, and Watford, from where he joined PAOK.

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