William Troost Ekong: PAOK Thessaloniki Open to Selling Nigeria Defender Amid Salary Dispute: Report

• William Troost-Ekong has recently been a subject of transfer interest
• The star defender was named MVP at the recently concluded AFCON
• Greek club, PAOK Thessaloniki are open to selling the Nigerian player

William Troost-Ekong was one of the stars who saw his stock rise astronomically following the conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

The Super Eagles defender was at the heart of a flurry of decisive acts that propelled the Nigerian team to the final of the showpiece, and it came with little surprise when he was named by the competition's organising body as the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament.

Following Troost-Ekong's immense AFCON showing, a flurry of reports have emerged, stating the defender has continued to court transfer interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League as well as other European leagues.

Percy Tau: Bafana Coach Hugo Broos Addresses Al Ahly Star’s Absence Ahead of FIFA Series Friendlies

Football

The PAOK Thessaloniki star, who is currently ruled out for the remainder of the season with a thigh injury, has often remained tight-lipped about his future with the Greek Super League club.

However, recent reports suggest that both Troost-Ekong and PAOK are poised to part ways in the summer.

Troost-Ekong to leave PAOK?

According to a report courtesy of Greek football expert, Jonny Georgopolous, the Super Eagles defender appears set to depart the club in the summer transfer window. However, he would not be allowed to leave for a cheap transfer fee.

Speaking to Nations Sports, the transfer expert stated:

"As you might know, Ekong won't play for the rest of the season because he had surgery after playing in the AFCON with an injury.

From what I heard from PAOK, he likes it here, but because of how well he played in the AFCON, he wants more money, which PAOK doesn't want to give him. They'd rather let him go after the season ends."

Hugo Broos seeks clarity and uniformity from PSL coaches and SAFA bosses

Football

He concluded, "PAOK wants to get a good amount of money before letting him go in June because, from what I understand, they're going to let him go at the end of the season."

The former Bursaspor defender currently has no shortage of suitors, but it remains to be seen if any would be willing to meet both the Nigerian's wage demands and his Greek club's transfer fee.

Troost-Ekong absent from Nigeria's squad

In another report, Sports Brief stated that Troost-Ekong was omitted from Nigeria’s squad for the March international window.

The 30-year-old is currently nursing an aggravated muscle cramp that has ruled him out for the remainder of the season.