Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Ayegbeni has said he could have commanded a transfer value of about €150 million if he were playing in today’s football market, citing his Premier League goalscoring record and the huge fees now paid for forwards.
Yakubu made the claim during a recent interview while reflecting on his career, transfer fees and the pressure that came with being signed for significant amounts.
Yakubu Compares Past and Present Fees
The former Premier League striker pointed to the sharp increase in transfer fees, noting that players who score around 10 goals in the Premier League can now attract fees of about €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 added that he regularly scored around 15 Premier League goals in a season during his playing days.
“I scored every year, it’s like 15, 15 in the Premier League,” he said.
Everton Transfer Comes Into Focus
Yakubu also recalled his £11.5 million move from Middlesbrough to Everton, suggesting that the value of the transfer would be equivalent to about €150 million in today’s market.
“And then from Borough to Everton was like £11.5 million, and that £11.5 million is like €150 million,” he explained.
The Nigerian striker previously joined Middlesbrough from Portsmouth for £7.5 million, a move he said came with considerable pressure to justify the investment.
“It was a lot of pressure to deliver. Big pressure,” Yakubu said.
‘When You’re Bought for Big Money, You Have to Deliver’
Yakubu explained that large transfer fees come with expectations because clubs want players to perform at a level that justifies their investment.
“When you’re bought for big amount of money, you have to deliver your best,” he added.
Yakubu enjoyed a successful Premier League career with Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton and Blackburn Rovers, while also becoming one of Nigeria’s notable goalscorers at international level.
His €150 million estimate is his personal comparison of his career value with the current transfer market, rather than an actual valuation or transfer offer.
