Troost-Ekong reacts after joining PAOK on a three-year deal

By Amaechi Agbo

Super Eagles vice-captain William Troost-Ekong has reacted after joining Greek giants PAOK Thessaloniki FC from Watford on a permanent deal until 2026 from Watford
The Nigerian defender penned a three-year contract that would see him play at the Toumba Stadium for the next three seasons in the Greece Super League
PAOK, Greece’s Super League three-time champions announced Ekong’s acquisition on Tuesday in an official statement adding that the 30 years old would wear jersey number 15.
“PAOK announces the acquisition of William Troost-Ekong by transfer from Watford. The Nigerian stopper has signed a contract until June 2026 and will wear the number 15 shirt,” the statement reads.
“Ekong sought a new challenge this summer. PAOK convinced him, won the competition, and the Nigerian became a resident of Thessaloniki for the next three years,” the club said.
Reacting to his new adventure, Troost-Ekong said: “Proud to wear this shirt. Let’s go Paokara”
The 29-year-old goalkeeper protector was on loan at Salernitana, the Italian Serie A side, for six months last season. He played a crucial role as the club escaped relegation in the latter stage of the campaign.
Troost-Ekong joined Watford from Udinese in 2020, leading them to the English Premier League the following year.
Watford, however, suffered relegation after only a season with the Nigerian played 64 league matches for the club.
Ekong was born on September 1, 1993, in Haarlem, the Netherlands, to a Nigerian father and a Dutch mother. He took his first footballing steps in Overbos before moving to England to join college. There he first joined the Fulham academies and then moved to Tottenham.
Earlier reports suggest that Troost-Ekong was wanted by a host of clubs including Panathinaikos, Genoa and Verona.