Ex-Super Eagles star Ekong says son's move to Malmo is imminent, reveals clubs that missed out

Former Super Eagles midfielder Prince Ikpe Ekong has confirmed that his son's transfer to Swedish Allsvenskan champions Malmo FF is imminent, subject to a traditional medical examination. 

Malmo have reached an agreement with their Italian counterparts Empoli to sign promising forward Emmanuel Ekong, with the player scheduled to put pen to paper on a deal with The Sky Blue on Tuesday, January 8.

In a significant transfer coup, Malmö are set to acquire Emmanuel Ekong, seeing off competition from clubs across Italy, Croatia, England, the United States, Belgium and Switzerland.

This season, he has played in eighteen matches for Empoli but started in only two of them, logging 365 minutes in total.

Prince Ikpe Ekong has clarified that his son his leaving Empoli due to a lack of adequate playing opportunities, stressing that he is a good player. 

Speaking to allnigeriasoccer.com, Prince Ikpe Ekong said: "Malmö FF want him as a star player, to focus on him and use him for a record sale.

"He doesn't get enough playing time at Empoli, not because he's not good, but because he's not the player they have decided to sell this winter.

"They want to start playing him from the start in the summer of 2025, but we don't have the time to wait. Every young player needs playing time to grow.

"Jimmy and I gave them six months starting from the summer of 2024 when the league began, and told them that if he wasn't happy, we would leave in January."

Explaining why his son chose Malmo over other teams interested in his signature, Prince Ikpe Ekong said: "Teams like FC Luzern from Switzerland, the top three teams in the Croatian league, Serie B teams in Italy, as well as clubs from Major League Soccer, the Championship and Belgium came for him.

"Emmanuel wants a team that the coaches, sport directors , president will show him they want him.

"Malmö FF went to Italy with officials to meet him. It is important in football. Value is critical for me. He will sign and have a medical tomorrow."

Best known for his time at Italian club Reggiana, Prince Ikpe Ekong also represented Swedish teams GAIS, Djurgårdens IF and Väsby United during his playing days.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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