After a year back in the Championship, Ipswich Town F.C. is making a strong bid for direct promotion to the Premier League. However, not all players have enjoyed a successful season. Nigerian winger Sone Aluko has rarely made the matchday squad, and even the team’s possible ascent to the top tier does not guarantee him a new contract. The Kick Off Nigeria looks into the player’s financial story.
What is Aluko’s Salary in Ipswich Town?
Former Nigerian international, Sone Aluko, who joined the English club in the summer of 2021, has had his contract renewed twice by the club, with the latest agreement set until June 30, 2024. For the remaining season in England, Aluko will earn €292,608, excluding bonuses, equivalent to €5,627 per week.
|
Annual Salary |
€ 292,608 |
432,542,412 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Monthly Salary |
€ 24,384 |
36,045,201 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Weekly Salary |
€ 5,627 |
8,318,010 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Daily Salary |
€ 804 |
1,188,498 Nigerian Nairas |
Team Salary Overview: Aluko is Among the Top-5 highest-paid non-Europeans
The club’s total expenditure on salaries for the 2024 season amounts to €15,789,106, or €303,637 weekly. Brandon Williams, a youth player for the England national team, is the highest-paid player at the club, earning €3,956,054 annually.
Sone Aluko is ranked 20th in the salary standings, a position he shares with Australian defender Cameron Burgess. This ranks him tenth among the club’s foreign players. Additionally, the Nigerian winger is among the top five highest-paid non-European players at Ipswich Town F.C. The player next in line, defender Janoi Donacien from Saint Lucia, earns nearly €19,000 less.
|
Player |
Country |
Annual Salary (EUR) |
|
Jeremy Sarmiento |
Ecuador |
€ 1,217,248 |
|
Samy Morsy |
Egypt |
€ 749,075 |
|
Massimo Luongo/ Ali Al-Hamadi |
Australia/ Iraq |
€ 304,312 |
|
Sone Aluko |
Nigeria |
€ 292,608 |
|
Cameron Burgess |
Australia |
€ 292,608 |
|
Janoi Donacien |
St Lucia |
€ 273,881 |
Career Salary Comparison
Aluko’s salary saw a significant jump, nearly 5.5 times, after moving to Scotland. After three years of solid performances, he moved to Rangers F.C., where his earnings tripled. One of his brightest seasons led to a lucrative deal with Hull City A.F.C., doubling his previous salary. However, following the team’s relegation to the Championship, Aluko’s earnings dropped by more than 1.5 times until he joined Reading F.C., where his salary increased by 1.5 times again. His move to Ipswich Town F.C. resulted in a more than threefold decrease in his earnings.
|
Club |
Salary Euro per Year (EUR) |
Salary Nigerian Nairas per Year (NGN) |
|
Ipswich Town F.C. (2021/2024) |
€ 292,608 |
432,542,412 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Reading F.C. (2017/2021) |
€ 912,936 |
1,349,447,728 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Fulham F.C. (2016/2017) |
€ 608,624 |
899,631,818 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Hull City A.F.C. (2015/2016) |
€ 608,624 |
899,631,818 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Hull City A.F.C. (2012/2015) |
€ 973,798 |
1,439,429,650 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Rangers F.C. (2011/2012) |
〜€ 485,097 |
〜717,051,180 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Aberdeen F.C. (2008/2011) |
〜€ 169,784 |
〜250,967,987 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Birmingham City F.C. (2007/2008) |
〜€ 30,925 |
〜45,713,720 Nigerian Nairas |
Market Value
Aluko’s transfer value spiked after an outstanding 2008/2009 season but dropped significantly over the next two years due to decreased performance. His value rose again after a season with Rangers F.C., and further increased when he helped Hull City A.F.C. secure a spot in the Premier League. However, his market value declined after relegation and continued to decrease, reaching a current valuation of just €150,000 by Transfermarkt.
|
Club |
Year |
Market Value |
|
Ipswich Town F.C. |
2023 |
€ 150,000 |
|
Ipswich Town F.C. |
2022 |
€ 300,000 |
|
Reading F.C. |
2021 |
€ 600,000 |
|
Reading F.C. |
2020 |
€ 1,000,000 |
|
Beijing Chengfeng F.C. |
2019 |
€ 1,200,000 |
|
Reading F.C. |
2018 |
€ 3,500,000 |
|
Reading F.C. |
2017 |
€ 5,000,000 |
|
Fulham F.C. |
2016 |
€ 2,000,000 |
|
Hull City A.F.C. |
2015 |
€ 2,500,000 |
|
Hull City A.F.C. |
2014 |
€ 3,500,000 |
|
Hull City A.F.C. |
2013 |
€ 2,500,000 |
|
Rangers F.C. |
2012 |
€ 750,000 |
|
Aberdeen F.C. |
2011 |
€ 500,000 |
|
Aberdeen F.C. |
2010 |
€ 1,000,000 |
|
Aberdeen F.C. |
2009 |
€ 1,750,000 |
|
Aberdeen F.C. |
2008 |
€ 550,000 |
Achievements with the National Team
Aluko debuted for the senior Nigerian team in spring 2009, but has never enjoyed a major tournament with the Super Eagles. He retired from international football in 2015 after earning seven caps and scoring two goals.
Football and Financial Prospects
The 2023/2024 season has been challenging for Aluko, who has only appeared in cup tournaments and played in one Championship game. Despite these challenges, he managed to score a goal in the English Football League Cup.
If Ipswich Town F.C. achieves promotion to the Premier League, they might extend a contract to the experienced Nigerian, who has previous top-tier experience. However, Aluko’s age and lack of regular game time may lead to him becoming a free agent in the summer.
