Super Eagles star turns down Turkey move to stay in England

The transfer window may be closed for the majority of the leagues in Europe, including the continent's five biggest, but it is transfer deadline day in Turkey today (September 8)

Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong has decided to stay with Watford at least until January, despite losing his place in the Hornets' starting eleven.

According to The Athletic, Troost-Ekong had the option to move to Turkey, but he rejected a couple of offers choosing instead to fight for his place at Vicarage Road.

It would be recalled that Turkish champions Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce had emerged as leading candidates for the signature of William Troost-Ekong.

And with Troost-Ekong no longer in the first-eleven picture at Watford, it was expected that the Nigeria international would welcome the idea of returning to Turkey. Troost-Ekong spent a memorable year at Bursaspor before sealing a dream move to the Italian Serie A to join Udinese in 2018.

The 27-year-old centre-back made 32 league appearances to help Watford to secure promotion to the Premier League during the 2020-21 campaign.

But he has only featured once – totalling all of eight minutes – in eight Championship matches this term.

Still, Troost-Ekong is determined to regain the favour of head coach Rob Edwards and reclaim his spot in the starting eleven.

The former Gent star has thus rejected loan offers from Trabzonspor, Fenerbahce, Ankaragucu, and Kasimpasa to remain in England.

William Troost-Ekong has a contract with the Golden Boys until June 2025.