William Troost-Ekong issues frank reaction to leaving Watford | OneFootball

William Troost-Ekong sealed a move to Serie A side Salernitana in the closing stages of the January transfer window, with Watford offloading the centre back on loan with an option to buy.

The 29-year-old has two years left on his contract at Vicarage Road, but will be aiming to impress in Salerno in order to tie down his future with the Italian club in the summer.

The Nigerian started 12 Championship matches in the first half of the season, but slowly fell out of favour under Slaven Bilic, at this juncture a move away seems to be the best for both parties.

Troost-Ekong has left his family behind to take the Serie A move and explained his thought process behind his exit when he spoke to The Athletic.

He said: “This was the hardest choice I’ve had to make in my career.

“Every time I’ve had a great opportunity to go to a club, which was a progression in my career, it’s always been a no-brainer.

“But it was a difficult choice because I really feel invested at Watford and I wanted to be part of the squad again to get promoted – I know what that felt like.

“My father-in-law was very understanding, but it was also harder with two young kids that go to school and live in the area to move again.

“They are staying put and every time I get the day off, I’ll go back to see them, then we’ll see what happens at the end of the season.”

Wesley Hoedt and Ryan Porteous came in towards the back end of the month, providing Bilic and the Hornets with the defensive depth required to move on from Troost-Ekong.

The Verdict

The 29-year-old was influential in his central defensive partnership with Francisco Sierralta as the Hornets sealed automatic promotion under Xisco Munoz in 2020/21.

That will probably be the overriding positive memory of Troost-Ekong in his time at Watford should the Nigerian complete a permanent switch, along with the imposing defender chipping in with a goal in a memorable 4-0 win over rivals Luton Town earlier on this term.

The situation with regards to Troost-Ekong’s family is probably not ideal when considering a permanent move to Italy, and at this stage of his career, personal ties could have a sway on his next move, especially if Salernitana decide against exercising the option to buy.