Ekong joins English Championship side Watford from Udinese signing a five year deal

SUPER Eagles centreback William Troost-Ekong has joined English Championship side Watford from Italian team Udinese in a five year deal that brings his two-year sojourn in Italy to an end.

Ekong, 27, has had a chequered career, starting off as a youth team member and over the last two seasons has been plying his trade in Serie A. Udinese and Watford are owned by the same parent company and with Ekong being surplus to requirements in Italy, he has been sold to the Championship side, although the financial implications of the permanent transfer were not disclosed.

Ekong completed a medical yesterday and becomes the latest addition to Vladimir Ivić's squad where he has been handed the number five jersey. He played 66 times for the Serie A side Udinese since his arrival from Turkish Süper Lig outfit Bursaspor in 2018.

"New chapter at Watford Football Club. Happy to be here and ready to get started," Ekong Tweeted yesterday.

Expressing his delight at the signing, Ekong said he will be looking to help the Hornets secure promotion back to the Premier League from where they were relegated last season. Watford has had several Nigerian players on its books in the past including the likes of Odion Ighalo and Isaac Success.

Apart from Ekong, Watford also confirmed the signing of highly sought-after teenage striker Djibril Touré, who signed a five-and-half-year contract at the club. Toure, 17, who has represented Guinea at youth international level will join the club on January 1, 2021, from Guinean clubside Ceffomig FC.

After the first three matches in the Championship, Watford are fifth in the table with two wins and a draw to their credit. Ivić's men would have to sustain or improve on their present momentum to actualise their quest for an instant return to the Premier League.