William Troost-Ekong, the captain of the Super Eagles, has landed in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday in preparation for his transfer to Al-Kholood, as reported by PUNCH Sports Extra.
The 30-year-old is poised to depart from PAOK to join the Saudi club for the upcoming 2024/25 season following the successful negotiation of a transfer fee between both parties.
Having finalized the personal terms with the potential new club last week, the Nigerian international only awaits the completion of his medical examination to finalize the move.
Renowned football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, mentioned on X, “William Troost-Ekong and his agent David Moss are en route to Saudi Arabia for his contract signing with Al Khalood.”
Troost-Ekong has been on the radars of Saudi clubs for a while now, and the Greek publication Gazzetta Greece recently confirmed that Shabab Al-Ahli also submitted an offer for the seasoned defender.
Shabab Al-Ahli pinned their hopes on their manager, Paulo Souza, to facilitate the acquisition of the Nigerian player. The duo previously collaborated at Salernitana before the Portuguese coach’s departure in October 2023, just four months after Ekong’s move to PAOK Salonika in Greece.
As things currently stand, Shabab Al-Ahli seems to have missed out on the deal, with the experienced defender on the verge of joining their rivals, Al-Kholood.
While Troost-Ekong secured the Greek Super League title with PAOK FC in the 2023/2024 season, he will be shifting his focus to the Middle East for the upcoming season.
Unless any unexpected developments arise, the defender will soon complete the necessary medical tests and formally sign with Al-Kholood, becoming another addition to the growing number of Super Eagles players who have ventured into the Saudi Arabian top-tier league, such as Odion Ighalo and Ahmed Musa.