Super Eagles AFCON top scorer ditches Europe for Saudi big money

Super Eagles AFCON top scorer ditches Europe for Saudi big money

Faruq Ibrahim 16:22 - 06.08.2024

The Saudi Arabian top-flight has reportedly managed to snap up another top talent from European football.

AFCON 2023 MVP Williams Troost Ekong is reportedly set to leave Greek side PAOK Thessaloniki for a move to the Saudi Arabia Professional League.

The 30-year-old has been somewhat of a journeyman in his career. He joined POAK, his ninth senior club, in the summer of 2023, and after one season in which he won the league title, he is now set for an exit. 

Ekong set for SPFL 

According to a report from transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Nigerian national team defender is close to joining Saudi Arabian side Al Khalood. 

Per the report, both clubs, PAOK and Al-Khalood have reached an agreement on the exchange of talent for cash. Also, the former Watford defender is said to have agreed personal terms with the buying club. 

Ekong will join the list of football veterans who have transitioned from the bustle of European football to the emerging but more profitable Saudi Pro League. 

The Nigerian defender has been a key player for PAOK, and despite missing a chunk of the season through injury, his influence on their Greek Super League win cannot be overestimated. 

Ekong has also been integral to their charge for next season's Champions League full competition, as he scored the crucial UCL playoffs first-leg winning goal against Bosnian side Borac

PAOK are set to face Swedish Champions Malmo in the third round of qualifying, with the first-leg slated for later tonight. It remains to be seen whether he will partake in the clash.