Nigeria may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking of big-money moves in Austrian football, but a handful of Nigerian talents have racked up notable transfer fees in the Bundesliga over the years.
In this piece, Footynaija.com counts down the most expensive Nigerian signings in the history of the Austrian Bundesliga.
6. Ajibade Babalade – €450k (Sturm Graz, 1998)
Back in the 1998/99 season, the now-late centre-back Ajibade Babalade joined Austrian outfit SK Sturm Graz from Shooting Stars for a reported fee of €450,000. The former Super Eagles defender was 26 at the time and became one of the early Nigerian trailblazers in Austrian football. His move was notable for its time, especially for a defender arriving from the Nigerian league.
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5. Bright Edomwonyi – €600k (Red Bull Salzburg, 2012)
Bright Edomwonyi made a €600,000 switch to Red Bull Salzburg as an 18-year-old forward during the 2012/13 season. Although his time at Salzburg did not result in a breakout, he remained within the Austrian football scene for years, turning out for clubs like Sturm Graz and Austria Wien. His raw potential was recognised early, leading to Salzburg taking a punt on the teenager.
4. Olarenwaju Kayode – €800k (Austria Wien, 2015)
At 22, Olarenwaju Kayode signed for Austria Wien for a fee around €800,000 during the 2015/16 campaign. The centre-forward made the most of his time in Vienna, scoring 30 league goals in 67 appearances, which eventually led to a bigger move to Manchester City. His success in Austria stands as one of the more productive spells by a Nigerian in the Bundesliga.
3. Samson Tijani – €1m (Red Bull Salzburg, 2020)
Samson Tijani joined Red Bull Salzburg from Collins Edwin SC in 2020 for a fee in the region of €1 million. Aged just 18 at the time, the defensive midfielder had impressed with Nigeria’s U17 and U20 sides. While injuries slowed his momentum initially, Salzburg kept faith in his development, often sending him on loan spells to gain experience within the Austrian system. He recently signed a multi-year contract with Czech First League club Dukla Prague as a free agent.
2. Tosin Dosunmu – €1.35m (Austria Wien, 2004)
Back in the 2004/05 season, Austria Wien paid €1.35 million to land Tosin Dosunmu from K. Beerschot in Belgium. The right winger, who held dual Nigerian and Belgian nationalities, was 24 when the deal happened.
1. Moses Usor – €1.5m (LASK, 2023)
Topping the list is 21-year-old Moses Usor, who completed a €1.5 million move to LASK from Slavia Prague in the 2023/24 season. Known for his dribbling and direct runs, the right winger had previously impressed in the Czech league. LASK’s investment reflects the club’s high expectations of Usor, who is now the most expensive Nigerian signing in Austrian Bundesliga history.
