Lawrence Nicholas, a Nigerian midfielder at Fatih Karagumruk S.K., faces a potentially career-ending situation after receiving a season-long suspension. His team, which showcased promising performances last season by finishing seventh, is now on the brink of relegation from the Turkish Super Lig.
The club’s challenges are compounded by the suspension of two key players, including Nicholas, until the end of the season. The Kick Off Nigeria looks into financial story of the player.
What is Lawrence Nicholas’s Salary in Fatih Karagumruk?
Nicholas joined the Turkish side in the summer of 2022 on a contract set to expire on June 30, 2025. Over two years in Turkey, he is set to earn €140,000 excluding bonuses, with his annual salary for the 2023/2024 season being €70,000, which breaks down to €1,346 weekly.
|
Annual Salary |
€ 70,000 |
98,027,219 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Monthly Salary |
€ 5,833 |
8,168,468 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Weekly Salary |
€ 1,346 |
1,888,894 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Daily Salary |
€ 192 |
269,441 Nigerian Nairas |
Team Salary Breakdown
Despite his contributions, Nicholas is the lowest-paid foreign player on the team. With Fatih Karagumruk S.K.’s total wage bill for the season at €18,660,000, Nicholas ranks 24th in the team’s salary scale. The highest-paid player, winger Emre Mor, earns €2,080,000 annually. Nicholas’s salary is also the smallest among Nigerian players in the Super Lig.
|
Player |
Country |
Annual Salary (EUR) |
|
Marcao |
Brazil |
€ 800,000 |
|
Ryan Mendes |
Cape Verde |
€ 730,000 |
|
Sofiane Feghouli |
Algeria |
€ 670,000 |
|
Lawrence Nicholas |
Nigeria |
€ 70,000 |
Market value
The Nigerian’s market value saw a peak increase following his move to Turkey but has since declined due to limited match participation this season, currently estimated at €200,000 by Transfermart.
|
Club |
Year |
Market Value |
|
Fatih Karagumruk S.K. |
2024 |
€ 200,000 |
|
Fatih Karagumruk S.K. |
2023 |
€ 500,000 |
|
FC Khimki |
2022 |
€ 200,000 |
|
FC Olimp-Dolgoprudny |
2021 |
€ 150,000 |
|
FC Tambov |
2020 |
€ 75,000 |
|
FC Tambov |
2019 |
€ 25,000 |
Career Path and Future Prospects
After standout performances with Russia’s FC Tambov and subsequent moves within the Russian league, Nicholas transitioned to the Turkish league. This season, however, has seen him participate in only five matches across all competitions, largely sidelined due to frequent injuries and now, the suspension.
With his future at Fatih Karagumruk S.K. uncertain, Nicholas faces a critical juncture. If he does not return to the squad next season, the club may choose not to renew his contract, potentially stalling or even ending his career in Turkey.
