The English top flight has been an exciting stage for Super Eagles talents over the course of history and some of these stars have commanded hefty sums in transfer fees.
These players didn’t just cost a fortune; many of them made a lasting impact at their clubs, with trophies, goals, and memorable performances.
In this article, Footynaija.com takes a close look at the ten most expensive Nigerian transfers in Premier League history.
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5. John Obi Mikel – €20 million (Lyn to Chelsea)
In 2006, Mikel was the subject of one of the most dramatic transfer tussles in Premier League history, with Chelsea and Manchester United both vying for his signature. Chelsea eventually secured the Nigerian midfielder from Lyn Oslo for €20 million.
At Stamford Bridge, Mikel became a dependable figure in Chelsea’s midfield for over a decade. Although he was not known for goals (he scored just one Premier League goal in 249 appearances), Mikel’s calm presence and tactical discipline helped Chelsea to numerous honours.
He won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, a League Cup, the UEFA Champions League in 2012, and the Europa League in 2013. While never flashy, his ability to shield the defence and maintain possession made him one of the most underrated pieces in Chelsea’s golden era.
4. Taiwo Awoniyi – €20.5 million (Union Berlin to Nottingham Forest)
Awoniyi’s arrival at Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2022 for €20.5 million was a statement of intent from the newly promoted side. Fresh off a 15-goal Bundesliga season with Union Berlin, expectations were high for the powerful forward.
However, Awoniyi had a stop-start debut season due to injuries but still managed to score 10 Premier League goals, including crucial strikes in Forest’s late-season survival run. His pace and strength made him a constant threat to defenders.
Having played second fiddle to Chris Wood last season, the Super Eagles striker will be desperate to reclaim his starting shirt at The City Ground next season.
3. Calvin Bassey – €22.5 million (Ajax to Fulham)
In July 2023, Bassey joined Fulham from Ajax for €22.5 million, becoming one of the most expensive defenders in the club’s history. The versatile Nigerian international, capable of playing at centre-back or left-back, was brought in to strengthen Marco Silva’s backline.
Bassey endured a tough settling-in period in the Premier League but gradually grew into his role. By the end of his first season, he had established himself as a reliable defender, contributing to several clean sheets and even chipping in with a goal.
Last season, he was one of the Cottagers’ most used players, racking up 37 appearances across all competitions as the West-London club occasionally punched above their weight in the Premier League but fell just short of clinching European qualification.
2. Kelechi Iheanacho – €27.7 million (Manchester City to Leicester City)
After rising through the ranks at Manchester City and showing flashes of brilliance, Iheanacho made the switch to Leicester City in 2017 for €27.7 million. His early days at the King Power Stadium were marked by inconsistency, but he matured into one of the Premier League’s most lethal finishers.
Iheanacho was instrumental in Leicester’s 20/21 FA Cup triumph, scoring key goals en route to the final. That season, he also won the Premier League Player of the Month for March 2021 after netting five goals in three matches. With 61 goals and 33 assists in all competitions for Leicester, Iheanacho’s ability to produce magic in crucial moments endeared him to the Foxes faithful.
1. Alex Iwobi – €30.4 million (Arsenal to Everton)
In August 2019, Iwobi became the most expensive Nigerian transfer in Premier League history when Everton paid Arsenal €30.4 million for his services. The move raised eyebrows at the time, but Iwobi quickly set about justifying the fee with his work rate and creativity.
While his first two seasons at Goodison Park were inconsistent, the 2022/23 campaign saw Iwobi flourish under Frank Lampard, operating as a central midfielder. He registered seven assists and scored two goals, helping Everton avoid relegation in dramatic fashion.
He has since joined Fulham where his game has seen even further development under the tutelage of Marco Silva. Last season, he produced his best ever goal output in a single campaign, scoring nine goals in 44 appearances.
