Transfer: Troost-Ekong makes shock Gulf switch, joins World Cup winner in Qatar move

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong is set to leave Saudi Arabian club Al Kholood for Qatari side Al Ahli Doha, Soccernet.ng reports.

​Troost-Ekong has been a mainstay for Al Kholood since joining in August 2024. Due to his impressive performances and leadership, he quickly rose to become the club's captain.

​In his debut season, he played a pivotal role in helping the team avoid relegation. This term, Al Kholood sit three points above the relegation zone, but they have struggled significantly of late, losing eight of their last nine matches in the Saudi Pro League.

In the meantime, the 32-year-old center-back is now set to call time on his stay at Al Kholood and depart Saudi Arabia altogether.

​According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Troost-Ekong is set to join Qatari club Al Ahli Doha, where he will sign a two-and-a-half-year deal.

​While Al Ahli Doha is typically a bottom-half side, the club is reportedly looking to bolster its squad to challenge heavyweights like Al Sadd and Al Duhail for the title.

They currently sit 11th in the QSL after picking up 15 points from 13 games — just four points clear of the relegation places.

​William Troost-Ekong to Play Alongside a Former World Cup Champion

​With his impending transfer to Al Ahli Doha, William Troost-Ekong will link up with former German international forward Julian Draxler.

​Recall that the 32-year-old Draxler was part of the German squad that clinched the FIFA World Cup in 2014. Before his move to Qatar in 2023, he enjoyed a stellar career with top European clubs including Schalke 04, Wolfsburg, Paris Saint-Germain, and Benfica.

Troost-Ekong is an experienced international campaigner for himself, having captained the Super Eagles to a silver medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He only just hung his international boots last month, before the 2025 AFCON.

​Troost-Ekong will be hoping his arrival can make a significant positive impact at the club in the coming months.