- Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Ayegbeni has said he could have been worth around €150 million if he were playing in today’s football market, citing his Premier League goalscoring record and past transfer fees.
- He noted that he consistently scored around 15 goals in a season during his Premier League career and believes that record would have attracted a much higher valuation in today’s market.
Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Ayegbeni has claimed that his market value could have reached around €150 million if he were playing football in the current era.
Yakubu made the claim while reflecting on his career, his goalscoring record in the Premier League and the transfer fees involved in some of his biggest moves.
The former Premier League striker compared the transfer market of his playing days with the huge fees being paid for players today. According to him, footballers who score about 10 goals in the Premier League can now command transfer fees of around €50 million.
“You see players now, I’m sorry to say, you score 10 goals, it’s €50 million. Ten goals in the Premier League is €50 million,” Yakubu said.
He noted that he consistently scored around 15 goals in a season during his Premier League career and believes that record would have attracted a much higher valuation in today’s market.
“I scored every year, it’s like 15, 15 in the Premier League,” he said.
Yakubu also recalled his £11.5 million transfer from Middlesbrough to Everton, saying the fee would be worth significantly more in today’s inflated transfer market.
“And then from Borough to Everton was like £11.5 million, and that £11.5 million is like €150 million,” he explained.
The former Nigeria international also spoke about the pressure that came with being signed for significant fees, particularly following his £7.5 million move from Portsmouth to Middlesbrough.
“It was a lot of pressure to deliver. Big pressure,” Yakubu said. “From Portsmouth to Borough was like £7.5 million, was massive.”
He added that players bought for huge sums are expected to justify the investment with their performances.
“When you’re bought for big amount of money, you have to deliver your best,” he added.
Yakubu’s comments have triggered mixed reactions among Nigerians online, with some fans recalling his infamous missed chances while others praised his achievements and goalscoring record.
Ogbonna Jnr: If we remember warey the open nets miss…him value would be £0
Chijioke Amicable Victor: Boss forgetting that we Nigerians don’t forget in a hurry
Ogbudu Emmanuel John Bull: Yakubu manage you’ll miss goals but don’t worry Chelsea will sign you
Saka Ozovehe: For you wey miss one on zero?
Zama Wale Stephen: U miss open net with £250million then na only God go do that things for you I swear
Solexy Daniel: Okocha don give this one liver 😁, Nigeria number 1 Goal 🥅 misser ,Goal even my grandmother fit score with eyes closed 🥱🤣
Adegoju Micheal Adebanjo: With that miss Garnacho will be worth more than two of you
Idakwoji Precious: You are right but from jail for missing that goal.
Osaka Jp: Na £3 them buy him that time
Aboh Chubi Theo: Person wey missed 21 yards goal nor even 18 yard
Eze Victor Obum: Big Attacker no be lie
Tosin Opaleye: For someone who missed an empty goal post….Oma se o
Clinton Chinedu: Because they no gather stone you for that goal wey you miss
Otf Smurk: For person wey no fit score pass and shoot😂
Uchechukwu Godwin: Who’s this man😂 First come and score that goal you missed in 2010 first.
