Troost-Ekong opens up on Al-Kholood move

The Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, said that he joined Al-Kholood because he couldn’t turn down the offer from the Saudi Pro League side, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Super Eagles skipper opened up on his decision to leave Europe for the Middle East during an exclusive interview with the Counter Attack Podcast.

Despite winning his first European league with PAOK Salonika in Greece and having the opportunity to play in the UEFA club competition this season, the Ekong stunned many of his fans with a move to Al-Kholood, but the 31-year-old said it was a decision he gave several thoughts.

“It was something I wasn’t thinking about before the AFCON,” Troost-Ekong admitted.

“I was playing in Greek PAOK. I was playing European football, winning the league, something I hadn’t done before, and we are aiming for the Champions League, and now they finally achieved the European League.

“During the AFCON, I was trying to focus on performing for Nigeria.

“Surely after that, the rumours started, and my agent spoke with many clubs from around the world, but there was a lot of interest from Saudi Arabia.

“The months after I was focused on getting fit again. And when we came together again at the start of the season, we spoke about everything, and then I made up my mind that it was something I wanted to do if the offer was right.”

He added, “I got an offer I couldn’t turn down. I am 31, now I have to think about the big picture.”I think the Saudi Pro League is competitive; you see, the names that are playing there in my first game were Benzema, Kante, and Fabinho, players that are world-level.””But at the same time, everybody talks about the opportunity you have there to guarantee your future to think about my family, kids.”

Troost-Ekong won the 2023/2024 Greek Super League title with PAOK FC, but he will be plying his trade in the Middle East next season.

The defender adds to the growing list of Eagles players who have played in the Saudi Arabian top flight, which includes Odion Ighalo and Ahmed Musa.

Troost-Ekong has been on the radar of Saudi clubs for some time, with Greek outlet Gazzetta Greece last month reporting that Shabab Al-Ahli were close to capturing the experienced defender.

Shabab Al-Ahli were banking on their manager, Paulo Souza, to help facilitate the signing of the Nigerian. The pair worked together at Salernitana before the Portuguese coach was dismissed in October 2023, four months after Troost-Ekong left for PAOK Salonika in Greece.Shabab Al-Ahli eventually lost the battle after the Nigerian opted to join rivals Al-Kholood.