West Brom Semi Ajayi: Salary and Prospects of the Key Defender

In the quest for a potential Premier League promotion West Bromwich Albion F.C. finds support in defender Semi Ajayi, who is attempting to reclaim his starting spot after recovering from injury. Kick Off Nigeria takes a dive into financial part of the story.

What is Semi Ajayi’s Salary at West Bromwich Albion F.C.?

Nigeria’s national team defender joined the English team in the summer of 2019. After two impressive seasons, during which the Nigerian helped the club secure promotion to the Premier League and subsequently faced relegation, Ajayi extended his agreement with West Bromwich Albion F.C. The new contract runs until June 30, 2025. Over the remaining two years, the Nigerian footballer will earn €2,004,336, excluding bonuses. In the 2023/2024 season, the defender will receive €1,002,168, equivalent to €19,272 per week.

Team Overview: Semi Ajayi – The Lowest-Paid African Player at West Bromwich Albion F.C.

In the 2023/2024 season, West Bromwich Albion F.C.’s total wage expenditure amounts to €26,872,080, or €516,771 per week. The highest-paid player on the team is winger Adam Reach, earning €2,423,848 per year, or €46,612 per week. Semi Ajayi ranks 16th in the club’s salary hierarchy, also being the eighth-highest among foreign players in West Bromwich Albion F.C. Additionally, the defender holds the fourth position among African players on the team, marking the lowest salary among them.

Career Salary Comparison

During the first half of Ajayi’s career, his salary did not exceed €200,000. The defender’s lowest earnings were during loan spells with Cardiff City F.C. and Rotherham United F.C. However, after signing a contract with the latter, his salary increased by more than one and a half times. A more than five-fold salary increase occurred after joining West Bromwich Albion F.C. Over five years with the English club, Ajayi’s earnings only decreased in the 2020/2021 season spent in the Premier League. Nevertheless, after relegation to the Championship, his salary returned to its previous level. However, at West Bromwich Albion F.C., the Nigerian receives the highest salary of his career.

Market Value: Nigerian Drops Out of Top Ten Most Expensive Players at English Club

Ajayi’s transfer value surpassed €1 million in the summer of 2019 before his move to West Bromwich Albion F.C. Its peak occurred two years later in 2021 when Ajayi played his second Premier League season, participating in 33 games and scoring two goals. However, after the team’s relegation to the Championship, the Nigerian’s value consistently decreased, falling by 2.5 times over two years. Currently, Transfermarkt.com estimates the defender’s transfer value at €2.5 million. Consequently, Ajayi dropped to 11th place in terms of value among players at the English club.

National Team Achievements

Semi Ajayi made his debut for the Nigerian national team in 2018. Although he missed the first major tournament, the defender was included in the squad for the 2022 African Cup of Nations. With the national team, Ajayi reached the tournament’s round of 16, losing to Tunisia with a minimal score. The Nigerian played only one full match in the group stage against Guinea-Bissau. However, six months later, Ajayi began receiving more playing time, scoring his first goal for the national team against Lesotho in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in November 2023.

Football and Salary Prospects

Semi Ajayi started the 2023/2024 season in the starting lineup. However, in mid-October, the defender suffered an ankle injury and, even after recovering, receives less playing time. Nevertheless, the Nigerian managed to score two goals and provide an assist. Ajayi’s return to the starting XI will not only aid West Bromwich Albion F.C. in the battle for a direct Premier League spot but will also increase the chances of a contract renewal with a potential salary increase.