Al-Kholood head coach, Des Buckingham, has praised the influence of William Troost-Ekong following the defender’s departure, describing the former Nigeria captain as a leader whose impact cannot be replicated on or off the pitch.
Troost-Ekong joined the Saudi Arabian side from Greek outfit PAOK in the summer of 2024 before completing a move to Qatari club Al Ahli SC during the January transfer window.
Reacting to the defender’s exit, Buckingham acknowledged that the club would bring in a replacement but stressed that Troost-Ekong’s qualities extend beyond what can be filled by a new signing.
“You can’t replace William and I am not looking to replace William as a player or a person. There will be somebody that comes in to replace him as a player,” Buckingham told reporters at a press conference.
The Al-Kholood manager also described Troost-Ekong as the best captain he has worked with at the club, highlighting the defender’s leadership and influence within the dressing room and beyond.
“What I mean is, William is by far the best leader of people that I ever had the pleasure of working with at this football club.
Buckingham further credited Troost-Ekong with playing a key role in helping him settle into the club and in shaping the team’s culture and working environment.
“He has been a really big part of helping me settle at the club and also making sure the things I have just spoken about with the culture, the environment,” he added.
He concluded by reiterating that Troost-Ekong’s absence would be felt well beyond the playing field, insisting that the club would struggle to replicate his influence.
“He has helped lead and bring the players along that journey. I don’t think we could replace William,” he said.
Troost-Ekong, formerly of Watford and Udinese, enjoyed a successful spell at Al-Kholood, playing a significant role in helping the club retain their Saudi Pro League status.
