Victor Osimhen salary rise is one to marvel at, having surged from a modest figure to fifty-six times his first ever wage in Europe.
His rise from a budding prodigy in Nigeria to a highly sought-after star in Europe may be attributed to his unwavering work ethic and commitment to honing his trade.
Transfer debacle and Galatasaray breakthrough
This summer, the striker was the subject of the biggest transfer drama, which eventually ended in a failed deadline-day transfer to either Premier League side Chelsea or Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli.
The 25-year-old striker was on the verge of sealing a mouthwatering deal with Al Ahli, but Napoli frustrated the move before a transfer deadline tussle with Chelsea over his salary.
Chelsea offered the striker a pay cut, which he turned down, leaving him stuck with Napoli after the close of the window.
With the Turkish transfer window still open, Galatasaray made a proposal to acquire Osimhen on a season-long loan, which he agreed to and has now been unveiled by the club.
Galatasaray are expected to cover around €9/10 million of the €12.8 million salary earned at Napoli, according to Fabrizio Romano on X.
But Osimhen did not arrive at this lucrative salary in one day. Like many other aspiring young footballers, the Super Eagles striker would jump at almost any deal that seemed life-changing at the time to keep his football dreams alive.
Sports Buddy takes a look at the breakdown of the new Galatasaray signing from the days of his humble beginning in Wolfsburg till his current club.
Victor Osimhen salary surge
Humble beginning at Wolfsburg: €4,231 per week/€220,000 per year
Osimhen’s football career started in Nigeria at Ultimate Strikers Academy, where he developed his abilities. European scouts were impressed by his performances, and in 2017 he inked a three-year contract with VfL Wolfsburg of the German Bundesliga.
His gross annual profits were approximately₦390 million, while his weekly compensation was₦7.5 million.
Based on current market value, Osimhen’s adjusted earnings at Wolfsburg were €250,454 (₦444,466,830) annually, according to Capology.
Reduced income at Royal Charleroi: €3,654 per week/€190,000 per year
After failing to secure regular playing time at Wolfsburg, Osimhen was first placed on loan at Belgian side Charleroi in 2018. Due to his remarkable exploits in Belgium, the club decided to sign him permanently.
However, he joined the club on a pay cut, which would see his annual income decrease to₦337 million, while his weekly remuneration fell to just over₦6 million.
On the other hand, depending on the current year’s worth of money, Capology claims that his adjusted gross earnings at Charleroi were €214,897 (₦381,227,278).
Salary rise at Lille: €25,000 per week/€1,300,000 per year
French side Lille took notice of Osimhen, who joined the club in 2019 for an alleged €12 million cost. His pay in Lille was far more than it was at Wolfsburg, a sign of the club’s faith in his ability and his rising stature.
Osimhen was paid more than ₦44 million a week and over ₦2 billion in total over the course of the year.
Massive surge at Napoli (First two seasons): €98,645 per week/€5,130,000 per year
Osimhen made his breakthrough with Napoli, where he signed a contract for an estimated €70 million in 2020.
He became one of the most expensive African footballers in history. His performances with the Italian side have been nothing short of sensational, and his salary has increased accordingly.
He started making somewhat less than₦175 million a week and slightly more than₦9 billion annually.
Dividend for impressive performances at Napoli (third season): €104,808 per week/€5,450,000 per year
The Naples club administration thought it was time to offer Osimhen a rise after he had played there for two seasons. His gross annual revenues increased to ₦9.6 billion, and his weekly income increased to over ₦185 million, however, it was not a significant increase.
Mega deal with Napoli (fourth season): €246,538 per week/€12,820,000 per year
Osimhen had an incredible 2022–23 campaign, winning the golden boot and helping Napoli win their first Serie A title in more than thirty years while also shattering numerous records.
The Nigerian forward’s contract was improved by Napoli and extended by one year with a release clause since big European clubs wanted to sign him.
As he started to make over₦457 million a week and over₦22 billion a year, it was the biggest gain in his career.
Loan to Galatasaray (Maintained wage)
Osimhen attracted interest from multiple clubs before joining Turkish Super Lig powerhouse Galatasaray.
His pay is anticipated to be divided between his parent club and loan club, while specifics of his deal are not yet known.
His pay is anticipated to stay the same, with no reports of a drop or raise.
