Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, revealed that he joined Al-Kholood because he couldn’t turn down the offer from the Saudi Pro League side.
In an exclusive interview with the Counter Attack Podcast, the Super Eagles skipper opened up about his decision to leave Europe for the Middle East.
Despite winning his first European league with PAOK Salonika in Greece and having the chance to play in UEFA competitions this season, Troost-Ekong surprised many fans with his move to Al-Kholood. The 31-year-old explained that it was a decision he carefully considered.
“It was something I wasn’t thinking about before AFCON,” Troost-Ekong admitted. “I was playing in Greece with PAOK, competing in European football, winning the league—something I hadn’t done before—and we were aiming for the Champions League. Now, they’ve finally achieved the European League.
“During AFCON, I was focused on performing for Nigeria. After that, rumours started, and my agent spoke with many clubs around the world, but there was a lot of interest from Saudi Arabia.
“The months after were focused on getting fit again, and at the start of the season, we discussed everything. I decided that if the offer was right, it was something I wanted to pursue.”
He added, “I got an offer I couldn’t refuse. I’m 31, and now I have to think about the bigger picture. The Saudi Pro League is competitive, with players like Benzema, Kante, and Fabinho, who are world-class. But at the same time, people talk about the opportunities to secure your future and take care of your family and kids.”
Troost-Ekong, who won the 2023/2024 Greek Super League title with PAOK FC, will now be playing in the Middle East next season.
He joins the list of Eagles players who have played in the Saudi Arabian top flight, including Odion Ighalo and Ahmed Musa.
Troost-Ekong has been on the radar of Saudi clubs for some time, with reports indicating that Shabab Al-Ahli were close to signing the experienced defender. They had hoped their manager, Paulo Souza, who worked with Troost-Ekong at Salernitana, could facilitate the transfer. However, after Souza’s dismissal and Troost-Ekong’s move to PAOK, the defender ultimately chose to join Al-Kholood instead of Shabab Al-Ahli.
