UAE-based AE Pro League side Shabab Al-Ahli has submitted a formal offer for Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong. They are looking to bolster their backline despite ultimately finishing as runners-up in the 2023/24 season, MySportDab Reports.
The 30-year-old has been in fine form, returning from the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where he helped the Super Eagles finish second, with the individual MVP award.
His fortunes have not gone without notice, as clubs dotted from various parts are reported to show interest. A Greek outlet, Gazzetta Greece, has confirmed that Shabab Al-Ahli sent in their offer for the seasoned defender.
The UAE Pro League side is relying on their season manager, Paulo Sousa, to make everything work. Sousa and Troost-Ekong used to work together at Salernitana before Sousa was shown the door in October 2023.
Sousa recently signed a two-year deal with Shabab Al Ahli and is keen to join forces once again with Troost-Ekong.
“Shabab Al-Ahli are looking at William Troost-Ekong, offering money to PAOK to sign the experienced defender”, Gazzetta reports. “Troost-Ekong, sought by numerous teams, was being viewed by the said team as the right man to reinforce its backline. Interest from Shabab Al-Ahli has been since June, and the team has never left the trail, way before Paulo Sousa’s idea”, says the source.
Our 2023 Man of the Year joined PAOK Salonika in Greece four months after his stint with Salernitana and played a key role in their 2023/2024 Greek Super League title win.
Despite the interest, Troost-Ekong has reiterated his happiness at PAOK on several occasions.
Shabab Al-Ahli are said to be pursuing Troost-Ekong to showcase their will, literally, to bring in more players with top-level experience that will aid them in this campaign for bigger things into the UAE Pro League. A potential sweetener to getting the deal over the line would be a reunion with Sousa.
