Willy Agada Returns to Form After Serious Injury: Salary Profile the Nigerian Striker

Having made a bright debut in MLS, the Nigerian centre-forward Willy Agada missed much of his second season due to a bone fracture. The injury cost him his starting position, affecting his performance statistics. In the 2024 season, the Nigerian striker aims to reclaim his leading role at Sporting Kansas City and persuade the club to renew his contract. Kick Off Nigeria looks into the player’s finances. 

What is Agada’s Salary at Sporting Kansas City 

The Nigerian striker joined the American team in the summer of 2022. Following an impressive debut season, the club renewed his contract, now set to expire on December 31, 2024. Agada will earn €206,073 for the remainder of the season in America, amounting to €3,963 weekly, excluding bonuses.

Team Salary Overview: Agada Among the Top-3 Highest-Paid Non-European Players

Sporting Kansas City’s total salary expenditure for the 2024 season stands at €11,539,982, which is about €221,923 weekly. The team’s highest-paid player is striker Alan Pulido, a former Mexican national team member, who earns €2,014,940 annually, approximately €38,749 weekly. 

Meanwhile, Agada ranks 15th in the salary standings, being the thirteenth highest among the club’s foreign players and is among the top three highest-paid non-European players at Sporting Kansas City. Following him is Honduran striker Alenis Vargas, who earns more than three times less. Agada also places fourth among team players under 25 years old, with American Felipe Hernandez earning over €45,500 less.

Moreover, Agada closes the top three highest-paid Nigerian players in MLS, with CF Montreal’s Sunusi Ibrahim earning nearly €23,000 less.

Career Salary Comparison 

After his successful debut for the American team, Sporting Kansas City renegotiated with the Nigerian striker, increasing Agada’s earnings by nearly €23,000, marking the highest salary of his career.

Market Value: Growth Post-MLS Debut 

Over two seasons in the second division of Israel’s league, Agada scored 23 goals, and his transfer value increased tenfold, maintaining this level even during his loan at Hapoel Haifa F.C. Despite helping his team avoid relegation in the 21/22 season, his transfer value dropped nearly by half. However, after moving to America, his value began to surge dramatically. In his debut season for Sporting Kansas City, Agada made 10 goal contributions, boosting his transfer value more than sevenfold, reaching a peak. Currently, Transfermarkt values Agada at €2.5 million, making him the second most expensive player at the club, tied with Mexican Alan Pulido. Only Hungarian winger Daniel Salloi is valued higher, at twice Agada’s price.

National Team and  Club Achievements 

Spending much of his career in the Israeli championship, Willy Agada has not yet caught the attention of the coaches of the Nigerian national team. Nonetheless, among his achievements is being the top scorer for his team in the 2021/2022 season. Then, the Nigerian scored five goals in the league and three in the knockout round, thus helping Hapoel Jerusalem F.C. maintain its place in Israel’s top division. It was after this season that Agada secured a lucrative MLS contract.

Prospects for 2024 

Having fully recovered from a serious injury sustained in the previous championship season, Agada often comes off the bench. However, the Nigerian has already managed to score a few crucial goals. If he can return to his previous form and help Sporting Kansas City compete for trophies, there’s a possibility that the club will offer him a contract on improved terms.