Al-Kholood manager, Des Buckingham has praised former Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong for his impact at the club after he left.
He called the former Nigeria captain an essential leader both on and off the field.
Troost-Ekong, who moved to the Saudi club from PAOK in the summer of 2024, has now signed with the Qatari club Al Ahli SC in the January transfer window.
When he talked about the player leaving, Buckingham said that the club will bring in a new player to take the place of the one who is no longer part of the team.
“You can’t replace William, and I don’t want to replace him as a player or as a person,” Buckingham told reporters at a press conference.
“There will be someone who comes in to take his place as a player.”
He also praised Ekong as the best captain he has ever worked with at the club, saying the defender has made a huge difference both during and outside of games.
“What I mean is, William is definitely the best leader I’ve ever worked with at this football club,” the Al-Kholood manager said, adding that Ekong played a big part in helping him get used to life at the club.
He thanked the former Udinese defender for helping create the team’s culture and atmosphere.
“He has been a really important part of helping me get settled at the club and also making sure the things I just talked about with the culture and the environment are taken care of,” he added.
Buckingham ended by reminding everyone about Ekong’s ongoing influence, saying the club will miss him in ways that go beyond just the game.
“He has helped guide and support the players throughout that journey. I don’t think we can replace William,” he added.
The ex-Watford defender had a good time at the club, and he was important in helping them keep their place in the Saudi Pro League.