Jonathan Okoronkwo’s Salary: A Look at His Finances from Russia to Turkey

The Nigerian striker who became the top scorer in the 2023/24 Russian First League, made a move to the Turkish Süper Lig in the summer of 2024. 

His transfer to Hatayspor came with a significant pay increase, but his playing time has drastically decreased. Instead of contending for top positions as he did in Russia, Okoronkwo now finds himself fighting for survival in Turkey.

Kick Off Nigeria takes a look at the player’s financial story. 

Okoronkwo’s Salary at Hatayspor

Okoronkwo signed a contract with Hatayspor that runs until June 30, 2027, guaranteeing him €1,800,000 over three years, excluding bonuses. For the 2024/2025 season, he earns an annual salary of €600,000, which translates to about €11,538 per week.

Team Salary Overview: The Top African Earner at Hatayspor

Hatayspor’s total wage budget for the 2024/2025 season amounts to €12,500,000. The club’s highest-paid player is Cameroonian forward Vincent Aboubakar, who earns €2,500,000 annually. Okoronkwo shares the fourth-highest salary position in the club and ranks as the third-highest-paid foreign player.

He is also second among the highest-paid African players at Hatayspor and the top-paid player under 21.

Salary Comparison with Other Nigerian Players in the Turkish Süper Lig

Okoronkwo is ranked sixth among the highest-paid Nigerian players in the Turkish Süper Lig. David Akintola of Caykur Rizespor, who follows closely behind, earns €50,000 less per year.

Career Salary Comparison 

Since moving to Turkey, Okoronkwo’s salary has increased nearly 5.5 times, marking the highest earnings of his career so far. Prior to joining Hatayspor, he earned €110,000 annually during his time at FC Krasnodar.

Market Value: Rapid Growth

Despite missing much of the 2021/22 season due to injury, Okoronkwo’s market value increased sixfold and remained stable until his loan move to FC Arsenal Tula. He became a key player for Arsenal Tula, contributing 20 goal involvements over the season. 

This performance boosted his market value by 3.5 times before his transfer to Hatayspor. Currently, his market value is estimated at €1,000,000, making him one of the more valuable players at the club.

National Team and Achievements

Okoronkwo has yet to be called up to the Nigerian national team. Spending most of his career in Russia has kept him under the radar of national team selectors. 

Nevertheless, his most notable achievement is being the top scorer in the 2023/24 Russian First League, where he scored 17 goals and provided three assists, helping FC Arsenal Tula reach the promotion playoffs.

Football and Financial Prospects

As of the 2024/2025 season, Okoronkwo has not started a match for Hatayspor and has only appeared as a substitute. In three months, he has yet to complete a full match. If he does not adapt to the Turkish league soon, Hatayspor may consider loaning him out to help him regain playing time and form.