Ekong set to complete move to  Saudi’s Al Ahli

Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong is set to begin a new chapter in his club career after agreeing to join Al Ahli SC of Qatar from Saudi Pro League side Al Kholood.

The move, confirmed by multiple reliable sources including transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano, will see the experienced centre-back commit his future to the Qatari outfit until June 2028, underlining the club’s long-term plans with the Super Eagles star.

Troost-Ekong’s impending switch comes after a productive spell in Saudi Arabia, where he joined Al Kholood in August 2024. Despite his relatively short stay, the 32-year-old quickly established himself as a key figure at the club, earning the captain’s armband and becoming a leader both on and off the pitch.

His consistency and composure at the heart of defence made him one of Al Kholood’s standout performers.

During his time with the Saudi side, Troost-Ekong featured in 49 competitive matches, bringing stability and experience to the back line.

His leadership qualities and tactical awareness were instrumental in helping the team navigate the challenges of top-flight football, attributes that have now attracted interest from the Qatari league.

The move to Al Ahli SC represents another significant step in a well-travelled career for the Netherlands-born Nigerian international. Troost-Ekong has previously played club football across several European leagues, including spells in the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, England and Greece, before making the transition to the Middle East. His adaptability and experience across different football cultures have remained defining traits of his career.

On the international stage, Ekong is one of Nigeria’s most accomplished defenders of the modern era. He captained the Super Eagles and earned over 80 international caps, playing a central role in Nigeria’s recent Africa Cup of Nations campaigns.

He later announced his retirement from international football in late 2025, opting to focus fully on his club career.

For Al Ahli SC, the acquisition of Ekong is seen as a major boost as the club looks to strengthen its squad with proven, high-level experience. His arrival is expected to add leadership, defensive solidity and professionalism to the team as they pursue their domestic and continental ambitions.

As Troost-Ekong prepares to settle in Qatar, the move offers him stability and a fresh challenge at this stage of his career. With a contract running until 2028, both player and club will be hoping the partnership delivers success, as the Nigerian defender looks to leave another strong imprint in the Middle Eastern football scene.