Troost-Ekong Signs Three-Year Deal With Belgian Champions Gent

Nigeria international defender William Troost-Ekong has joined Belgian club KAA Gent.

The 21-year-old, whose two-year deal with Dutch Eredevisie side Groningen ended at the end of last season, has agreed a three-year contract with Gent but will spend the first year on loan at Norwegian outfit FK Haugesund.

Haugesund are 13th in the current Eliteserien league campaign, two points above the relegation zone after 17 round of matches.

The move to Gent however comes as a huge boost for Troost-Ekong, who was in danger of losing his first-team opportunities with the Super Eagles as coach Sunday Oliseh has announced his readiness to work with only active players in top flight leagues and, nonetheless, established Nigeria internationals.

“I spoke with the Nigeria coach and the emphasis was for me to ensure that I am playing regular top-flight football even if that meant seeking a loan move,” Troost-Ekong is quoted as saying by the BBC Sport.

“I’m thankful for his advice and together with what I and my management had in mind, this was the best option.

“Going to Norway gives me an opportunity to play regularly and continue my progress.”

The central defender made his debut for Nigeria in last month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Kaduna.

Another Nigerian Moses Simon currently plays for reigning Belgian champions Gent.