Gabriel Osho’s challenges: In the second half of season he risks losing his lucrative salary

Recurring injuries, which hindered Gabriel Osho’s progress in previous teams, are threatening his place as a starting defender for AJ Auxerre. In the new year, the Nigerian has played significantly fewer full matches and risks losing his spot in the national team. Despite this, AJ Auxerre’s results have remained much better with Osho in the lineup, and their victories and fight for a mid-table position justify the defender’s high salary. Returning to consistent form will be key to securing a new contract at the end of the season.

What is Gabriel Osho’s Salary at AJ Auxerre?

The Nigerian international defender joined the French club in the summer of 2024; his agreement runs until June 30, 2025. For the 2024/2025 season he will earn €720,000, equating to €13,846 per week.

Team Salary Overview: Osho Among Top- three Hiighest-paid Nigerian players 

In the 2024/2025 season, AJ Auxerre’s total salary expenditure amounts to €17,580,000, or €338,077 per week. The club’s highest-paid footballer is midfielder Hamed Junior Traore. The Cote d’Ivoire international player, who is loaned from Bournemouth, earns €2,730,000 annually, which breaks down to €52,500 per week.

Hamzat Ojediran ranks eighth in the salary standings, sharing that position with three other players, and is among the six highest-paid foreign players at the club. He also ranks fourth among the highest-paid African footballers at AJ Auxerre. Brazilian Jubal and Malian winger Lassine Sinayoko, earning €20,000 less than Ojediran, follow him and close out the top five, respectively.

Moreover, Gabriel Osho closes out the top three highest-paid Nigerian players in Ligue 1. AS Monaco FC’s forward George Ilenikhena, who is one position behind him, earns €30,000 less.

Career Salary Comparison

During his four years at Reading F.C., the Nigerian defender barely played, spending most of his time on loan to lower-league English teams. Surprisingly, his salary increased twelvefold during this period, a remarkable rise considering his limited playing time. After signing a contract with Luton Town F.C., Gabriel Osho’s earnings nearly quadrupled. After his first full season with the team in the Championship, the Nigerian’s salary increased by more than €36,000. His move to AJ Auxerre resulted in a nearly €100,000 increase in his earnings, making it the highest salary of his career.

Market Value: Sharp Increase After Season in the Premier League

After spending his first full season at the senior level with Rochdale A.F.C., the Nigerian finally got sufficient playing time, and his value doubled. In the 21/22 season, Osho began to feature in the Luton Town F.C. squad. Even a hamstring injury near the end did not stop his transfer fee from doubling once again. In the 23/24 season, the defender helped the team reach the Premier League, and his value increased by 1.5 times. Although Gabriel Osho constantly suffered from knee injuries during the 23/24 season, his transfer fee had increased fivefold by the time of his move to France, reaching its peak. Currently, Transfermarkt.com values the Nigerian footballer at €3 million. This is the fourth-highest figure among the French club’s players.

National Team Achievements

Gabriel Osho debuted for the Nigerian national team in November 2024. To date, the defender has not represented the national team at major tournaments and has only played two matches, failing to contribute with goals or assists.

Prospects

At the beginning of the 2024/2025 season, Gabriel Osho was a regular in the starting lineup and played full matches. The defender contributed with goal-scoring actions and undoubtedly helped AJ Auxerre fight for a place in the top ten of Ligue 1. However, in the second half of the season, the Nigerian has been sidelined by injuries and has missed several games, which could affect the French club’s decision to activate the option to extend his contract for another two seasons.