Following Osimhen: Young Nigerian David Ankeye’s Substantial Salary in Serie A

After impressive performances in European competitions with a Moldovan club, the talented striker David Ankeye moved to Serie A. However, currently, the young footballer is hardly getting any playing time.

 Nevertheless, a long-term contract with Genoa CFC will give the Nigerian a chance to adapt to the new league and continue his impressive performances, which could eventually increase both his transfer value and salary. Will he follow the steps of his compatriot Victor Osimhen? 

What is David Ankeye’s salary at Genoa CFC? 

The Nigerian striker joined the Italian team in the winter of 2024: the agreement is scheduled until 30 June 2028. Over four years in Italy, Ankeye will earn €2,600,000, excluding bonuses. For the 2023/2024 season, Ankeye will receive €650,000, which is €12,500 per week.

Team Salary Overview: Ankeye is among the top-5 highest-paid non-Europeans

In the 2023/2024 season, Genoa CFC’s total expenditure on salaries amounts to €32,570,000, that is, €626,346 per week. The highest-paid player on the team is winger Junior Messias. The Brazilian earns €3,700,000 a year: €71,154 per week. David Ankeye, in turn, ranks 17th in the salary rankings. This is the fifteenth indicator among foreign players of the Italian club. Moreover, the Nigerian striker rounds out the top five highest-paid non-European footballers at Genoa CFC. 

Following him, Uruguayan defender Alan Matturro earns €140,000 less. Nevertheless, among African players on the team, Ankeye has the lowest salary. The Ghanaian Caleb Ekuban, who is one position ahead of him, earns almost twice as much. Also, the Nigerian is second among the highest-paid players under 21 years old. Only Belgian Koni De Winter earns more, with a salary €90,000 higher.

Career Salary Comparison 

After successful performances for FC Sheriff Tiraspol, the Nigerian striker moved to Serie A, where his salary increased nearly 5.5 times, becoming the highest in the footballer’s career.

Market Value: Rapid Growth After Moving to Moldova 

After a quality season in Tunisia, Ankeye moved to FC Sheriff Tiraspol, and his transfer value increased nearly 1.5 times. In just six months in Moldova, David Ankeye became a key player for the team, scoring 8 goals and playing in the Europa League. Thanks to his bright performances, the transfer value of the striker increased fourfold. Although his debut in Italy was lackluster, the Nigerian footballer’s market value still doubled, reaching its peak. Currently, Transfermarkt.com values Ankeye at €2 million.

National Team and Prospects 

David Ankeye has never been called up to the Nigerian national team. The talanted Nigerian spent the first half of the 2023/2024 season at FC Sheriff Tiraspol. In the Moldovan team, the striker was one of the key players, scoring 8 goals and making an assist. However, after moving to Italy, Ankeye missed a month and a half due to an injury. 

Having recovered, the Nigerian footballer returned to the squad: he is currently mainly used as a substitute. If Ankeye can adapt to the new league and return to his previous performance level, he will have the opportunity not only to make it to the national team but also to attract the attention of stronger teams.