Troost-Ekong leaves PAOK and enters the Saudi group

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has written an emotional farewell letter to PAOK Thessaloniki after completing a transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al Kholood..

The 30-year-old defender, who had an outstanding season with the Greek club, starting all 10 Super League 1 matches, took to Instagram on Friday to say goodbye. In his statement, he wrote, “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 teammates, 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 valued at around €1.2 million, with a two-year contract and an option for a third year.

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

His highest transfer occurred in August 2018, when Serie A club Udinese paid €3.3 million to acquire him from Turkish side Bursaspor.

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

The Netherlands-born defender, who had an impressive AFCON campaign with Nigeria, has also played for Tottenham Hotspur, Udinese, and Watford before joining PAOK.