Troost-Ekong Completes Move to Qatari Club Al Ahli SC on Long-Term Deal

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has completed a transfer to Qatar Stars League side Al Ahli SC, Complete Sports reports.

The 32 year old centre-back leaves Saudi Professional League club Al Kholood — where he featured regularly and made 49 appearances, scoring twice — to sign a contract with Al Ahli that runs until June 2028.

Al Ahli confirmed Troost-Ekong’s arrival via their official Instagram account with the message: “He’s here, he’s ready, welcome to the club William. Let’s make history together.” The defender is expected to bolster the Qatari club’s defensive unit as they look to improve their position in the league.

Al Ahli currently sit ninth in the Qatar Stars League table with 15 points, four points clear of the relegation zone, ahead of their next league fixture against Qatar SC later this month.

Troost-Ekong’s move marks another chapter in a career that has seen him play across Europe and the Middle East, bringing extensive leadership and experience to his new club.

EDITORIAL

In football’s grand theatre, few narratives strike as resonant a chord as those of reinvention and renewal. William Troost-Ekong’s completed transfer to Al Ahli SC in Qatar is emblematic of both a seasoned defender entering the next chapter of a distinguished career with pragmatism and purpose.

Troost-Ekong’s journey has been far from linear. From youth football in the Netherlands to the crucibles of Serie A, the English Championship and the kaleidoscope of European leagues, he has carved a reputation as a defender of unyielding resolve and cerebral understanding. In Saudi Arabia with Al Kholood, that pedigree translated into leadership — 49 appearances, a captain’s armband and a consistent presence that helped steady a side navigating the rigours of top-flight competition.

Yet football careers are defined not merely by leadership but by progression. The move to Al Ahli SC is not a retreat but a recalibration a platform where experience meets expectation in a league that values both. For his new club, Troost-Ekong’s arrival is a signal of intent a desire to blend domestic ambition with continental aspiration, fortified by a defender whose presence commands respect.

This transfer also signifies a broader truth about the modern game. In an era where football is as much about adaptability as ability, longevity stems from a willingness to embrace new challenges. At 32, Troost-Ekong is not retiring on past laurels he is actively sculpting the final arcs of a career rich in cultural and tactical diversity. Qatar’s Stars League may not carry the historical weight of Europe’s elite competitions, but it offers a different test — one of leadership, influence and legacy in a fast-evolving footballing landscape.

For fans and pundits alike, the intrigue lies not only in how Troost-Ekong will fortify Al Ahli’s backline but in how his experience will permeate a squad seeking cohesion. His story reminds us that football is not just about the stadiums we know best but about the paths players tread to define their own narratives.

DID YOU KNOW?

1. Troost-Ekong signed a contract with Al Ahli SC that will keep him at the club until June 2028, highlighting the club’s long-term confidence in his leadership.
2. He made 49 appearances for Al Kholood, scoring twice and serving as a key defensive figure during his time there.
3. Al Ahli currently sit ninth in the Qatar Stars League, with 15 points and four points clear of the relegation zone ahead of their next match.
4. Troost-Ekong has played in multiple top European leagues, including stints in England, Italy, Greece and the Netherlands.
5. He retired from international football in late 2025, ending a notable Super Eagles career that included captaining Nigeria and earning over 80 caps.