Ernest Nuamah in Olympique Lyonnais: Salary and Prospects of the Ghanaian Star

Olympique Lyonnais is struggling in the 2023/2024 season: the club has undergone a chaotic transfer campaign, losing promising players and failing to find adequate replacements, with the new owner only promising investments while grappling with the old, and the performance on the field leaving much to be desired. 

Nevertheless, one of the bright spots appears to be the talented Ghanaian winger, Ernest Nuamah, who shone in Denmark last season. 

What is Ernest Nuamah’s Salary at Olympique Lyonnais?

The Ghanaian national team winger joined the French team in the summer of 2023 on loan from the Belgian club R.W.D. Molenbeek, with the agreement running until June 30, 2024. In the 2023/2024 season, Nuamah will receive €850,000 annually, excluding bonuses, which amounts to €16,346 per week.

Team Overview: Nuamah – Second Highest Paid African Player in the Team

In the 2023/2024 season, Olympique Lyonnais’ total wage bill amounts to €45,990,000 per year, or €884,423 per week: only three Ligue 1 clubs spend more on salaries. The highest-paid player in the team is striker Alexandre Lacazette, who earns €5,400,000 annually, or €103,846 per week. Ernest Nuamah, on the other hand, ranks 12th in the salary rankings, eighth among all foreign players of the French club, and second among the highest-paid players at Olympique Lyonnais under 20 years old.

Career Salary Comparison

Having had an outstanding season at FC Nordsjaelland, Nuamah attracted the attention of several top clubs from Germany, France, and England. However, this summer, the Ghanaian unexpectedly signed a contract with the Belgian club R.W.D. Molenbeek, only to be immediately loaned to Olympique Lyonnais. Despite the decrease in his market value due to the team’s struggles and his adaptation to Ligue 1, Nuamah’s salary increased more than fifteenfold after his move to the French league, marking the highest earnings in his career.

Market Value: Among the Top Three Most Expensive Ghanaians

After his season in Denmark, Nuamah’s transfer value increased fortyfold. Despite a slight decrease in value due to the team’s performance in Lihue 1, he remains one of the most expensive players at Olympique Lyonnais, ranking second alongside French midfielder Maxence Caqueret, with only Rayan Cherki commanding a higher transfer fee. Additionally, Nuamah, along with RC Lens’s Salis Abdul Samed, is among the top three most expensive Ghanaian footballers. According to Transfermarkt his current value estimates at €18 million. 

Achievements with the National Team

Nuamah made his debut for the Ghanaian national team in June 2023 and subsequently participated in the African Cup of Nations with the youth team. He later joined the senior national team for the 2024 African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. Although not a key player, Nuamah made significant contributions, scoring two goals and providing one assist in eight appearances for the national team.

Football and Financial Prospects

After successful time in Denmark, Nuamah has seamlessly integrated into Olympique Lyonnais’ squad in Ligue 1, becoming a regular starter. If he helps the team in the rest of the season, the French club is likely to activate the buyout option and sign him to an improved contract.

This comprehensive overview underscores Ernest Nuamah’s journey, from his salary and market value to his contributions to both club and country, shedding light on his promising future in football.