Ekong closes in on Salernitana switch

Super Eagles of Nigeria assistant skipper William Troost-Ekong is close to a switch to Italian Serie A club Salernitana from Watford FC.

Reports of Ekong’s move emerged last week with the move expected to be complete this week SportsRation reports.

Despite the two and half years left on his current contract at English Championship side Watford FC, Ekong is keen on a return to Italy.

The 29-year old was an unused substitute during the 1-1 draw with Rotherham on Saturday but went onto the pitch at full-time .

At Vicarage road, Ekong applauded and appeared to wave at the fans, a sign the move could be complete before the next game on January 28th.

Watford FC manager Slaven Bilic did confirm the news of Ekong’s departure in his post match interview.

“There is something about it I heard it before the game. It is not just a rumour,” said the Croatian manager who has already identified replacements for the Eagle.

“We need to bring something, we need to. Now if (Troost-Ekong) goes and with Christian Kabesele injured suddenly we are incredibly short so we need that if we want to do what we want to do,” Bilic said.

Salernitana will want Troost-Ekong to solve their sorry defensive struggles this season.

Mexican Goalkepeer Guillermo Ochoa joined in the winter transfer and has been left exposed so that despite his goalkeeping heroics, 16th placed Salernitana have let in 13 goals in four games.

Ekong who has recently changed agents will fancy a return to the Italian top flight having already turned out for Udinese before joining Watford in 2020.

According to reports in Italy, the Nigerian defender will travel to Italy this week to seal the loan move until the end of this season with an option to buy.

Ekong has made 17 appearances this season and has captained the Hornets on a couple of occasions in the SkyBet Championship this season.