With the team languishing near the relegation zone and Innocent sidelined for most matches due to injuries, his return could be pivotal in ensuring Lorient’s survival and might even secure him a new contract.
FC Lorient is enduring a tough phase without the services of Bonke Innocent. The Nigerian midfielder’s absence has been deeply felt by the team, which is currently struggling to keep its place in France’s top flight. The Kick Off Nigeria looks ionto the player’s finances.
Bonke Innocent’s Salary at FC Lorient
Joining the French side in the winter of 2022, Innocent’s contract runs until June 30, 2025. Over the next two years in France, the Nigerian will earn €540,000, excluding bonuses. For the 2023/2024 season, Innocent’s salary is €270,000, which breaks down to €5,192 weekly.
|
Annual Salary |
€ 270,000 |
469,573,552 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Monthly Salary |
€ 22,500 |
39,131,129 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Weekly Salary |
€ 5,192 |
9,030,304 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Daily Salary |
€ 742 |
1,290,540 Nigerian Nairas |
Team Salary Overview: Lorient’s Wage Expenditure
For the 2023/2024 season, FC Lorient’s total salary expenditure stands at €20,330,000 annually, with Benjamin Mendy being the highest-paid player at €3,750,000 per year. Innocent’s salary positions him significantly below the club’s top earners: he is among the lower-paid Nigerian players in the league, ranking 22nd in FC Lorient’s salary list and ninth among African players at the club.
|
Player |
Country |
Annual Salary (EUR) |
|
Bamba Dieng |
Senegal |
€ 900,000 |
|
Aiyegun Tosin |
Benin |
€ 700,000 |
|
Formose Mendy |
Senegal |
€ 600,000 |
|
Alfred Gomis |
Senegal |
€ 550,000 |
|
Mohamed Bamba |
Cote d’Ivoire |
€ 350,000 |
|
Bonke Innocent |
Nigeria |
€ 270,000 |
Career Salary Comparison
Innocent’s successful debut in Europe with Malmo FF led to a significant salary increase and interest from clubs in England and France. His transfer to FC Lorient marked a substantial hike in his earnings.
|
Club |
Salary Euro per Year (EUR) |
Salary Nigerian Nairas per Year (NGN) |
|
FC Lorient (2022/2024) |
€ 270,000 |
469,573,552 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Malmo FF (2017/2021) |
〜€ 100,756 |
〜175,349,040 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Lillestrom SK (2014/2017) |
〜€ 91,225 |
〜158,761,921 Nigerian Nairas |
Market Value
Innocent’s market value has fluctuated due to injuries, with Transfermarkt currently valuing him at €1.5 million, down from a peak following his performances in European competitions.
|
Club |
Year |
Market Value |
|
FC Lorient |
2023 |
€ 1,500,000 |
|
FC Lorient |
2022 |
€ 2,000,000 |
|
Malmo FF |
2021 |
€ 800,000 |
|
Malmo FF |
2020 |
€ 600,000 |
|
Malmo FF |
2019 |
€ 400,000 |
|
Malmo FF |
2018 |
€ 250,000 |
|
Malmo FF |
2017 |
€ 500,000 |
|
Lillestrom SK |
2015-2016 |
€ 400,000 |
|
Lillestrom SK |
2014 |
€ 50,000 |
Achievements and Future Prospects
Since debuting for Nigeria’s national team in 2021, Innocent has made four appearances. At the club level, his time in Sweden was marked by three championship wins with Malmo FF and a debut in the Champions League group stage. But his second season in France has been challenging for Innocent, with injuries limiting his participation to just four matches. However, his potential return could be the lifeline FC Lorient needs to avoid relegation, potentially earning him a contract extension with the club.
