Move from Spain for a Higher Salary: Prospects of Samu Omorodion

In just one season at the senior level, striker Samu Omorodion has surged into the top five most valuable players of his age group, attracting the attention of European giants. Following a stellar debut in La Liga, the Nigerian-Spanish footballer faces a significant decision: return to Madrid or switch leagues for a more lucrative contract. The Kick Off Nigeria looks into the player’s financial story.

What is Samu Omorodion’s Salary at Deportivo Alaves?

The Spanish youth international with Nigerian roots joined Deportivo Alaves on loan from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2023. The loan agreement is set to last until 30 June 2024. For the 2023/2024 season, Omorodion will earn €370,000, which equates to €7,115 per week.

Team Salary Overview: Omorodion Among the Top-3 Highest-Paid U21 Players

In the 2023/2024 season, Deportivo Alaves’ total wage bill stands at €12,450,000, or €239,423 per week, the lowest in La Liga. The highest-paid player in the team is midfielder Ianis Hagi, on loan from Rangers F.C., earning €1,500,000 per year, or €28,846 per week.

Omorodion ranks 16th in the team’s salary chart, tied with Moroccan defender Abdel Abqar. He is among the top three highest-paid loan players at the Spanish club. The next highest-paid player, Alex Sola, earns more than 1.5 times less. Additionally, Omorodion has the second-highest salary among Deportivo Alaves’ U21 players, with defender Javi Lopez earning less than half.

Career Salary Comparison

After moving to Madrid and being loaned to Deportivo Alaves, the salary of the Spanish-Nigerian striker increased approximately fourfold, becoming the highest in his career.

Market Value: Rapid Growth in Debut Season

In just one season with Granada CF’s second team, Omorodion scored 18 goals, increasing his transfer value eightfold. After scoring in his first La Liga match against Atletico Madrid, he moved to Madrid and was immediately loaned out. At Deportivo Alaves, Omorodion became a key player and top scorer, with his transfer value skyrocketing by 200 times to its peak. Transfermarkt.com now values the Spanish-Nigerian forward at €40 million, the highest among the Spanish team’s players and the fourth among players born in 2004.

National Team History

Born in the Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast, Samu Omorodion is eligible to play for both Spain and Nigeria. He debuted for Spain’s U19 team in the spring of 2023 and later joined the national team for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship, where Spain reached the semi-finals, losing to eventual champions Italy 3-2. In the autumn of 2023, Omorodion moved up to Spain’s U21 team, playing seven matches and scoring two goals.

Football and Salary Prospects

Samu Omorodion is having an outstanding season on loan, missing only two matches—one as a substitute and one due to yellow card suspension. During this time, the Spanish-Nigerian forward scored eight goals and provided an assist, making him Deportivo Alaves’ top scorer. Considering the occasional slumps of Alvaro Morata and his five-year contract with Atletico Madrid, Omorodion could return to Madrid next season and compete for a starting spot. However, clubs from England and Italy are also eyeing the young striker, who might switch leagues for more playing time at a top club and a higher salary.