Nigeria’s national team captain, William Troost-Ekong, has revealed the reasons behind his surprising move to the Saudi Pro League club, Al-Khaloood, from Greek Super League champions PAOK. Despite his impressive form in Europe, Troost-Ekong decided to make the shift to the oil-rich league.
In an interview on the Counter Attack Podcast, Troost-Ekong shared that discussions about his potential move began during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. He described the offer from Saudi Arabia as too compelling to refuse, especially considering his age.
“At 31, I have to think about the long-term,” Troost-Ekong said. “I received an offer I couldn’t turn down. The Saudi Pro League offers an opportunity to secure my future, which is important for me and my family.”
The defender also noted the league’s competitive nature, highlighting that his debut featured matches against top-tier players like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, and Fabinho. Troost-Ekong emphasized that while the league is competitive, it also provides a chance to secure his future and ensure the well-being of his family.
“The Saudi Pro League is competitive,” Troost-Ekong added. “In my first game, I played against world-class players. But beyond that, it’s an opportunity to guarantee my future and provide for my family.”
