Michael Baidoo’s Big Salary and Struggles at Plymouth Argyle

Michael Baidoo’s arrival at Plymouth Argyle F.C. in the winter of 2025 was meant to be a turning point. The Ghanaian midfielder had just played in the group stages of the UEFA Europa League with IF Elfsborg and was brought in as the club’s most expensive signing ever, tasked with rescuing the team from relegation. But despite the expectations, Baidoo failed to register a single goal or assist, and Plymouth ended the 2024/25 season relegated to League One.

Michael Baidoo’s Salary at Plymouth Argyle

After joining in January 2025, Baidoo signed a four-year deal with the English club, running until June 2028. His annual salary is €764,482, which breaks down to roughly €14,700 per week. Over the duration of his contract, he is set to earn €3,057,928 excluding performance-related bonuses. His salary places him among the club’s highest earners and reflects the club’s belief in his potential — a belief that, at least so far, has not paid off on the pitch.

Among Plymouth’s Top Earners

Baidoo ranks as one of the highest-paid players at Plymouth Argyle and is the top-earning African player on the team. Despite the significant investment, his lack of productivity was a major disappointment for the club. During the 2024/25 season, Plymouth’s total wage bill reached over €11 million, with Baidoo ranking third in the salary hierarchy — behind only loanee Tymoteusz Puchacz and another key signing.

One of the Highest-Paid Ghanaian Players in the Championship

Before relegation, Baidoo was also among the top three highest-paid Ghanaian footballers in the English Championship. He earned just slightly less than Ghanaian internationals Brandon Thomas-Asante and Salis Abdul Samed. Despite the financial outlay, Baidoo struggled to make an impact, further fueling criticism over the decision to sign him during a relegation battle.

Career Salary Growth

Baidoo’s rise in wages has mirrored his on-field progression in recent years. After impressing during loan spells in Denmark and Norway, he moved to Sweden’s IF Elfsborg, where he became the club’s top scorer. His success in the Allsvenskan and solid performances in European competitions saw his salary increase more than twofold. The move to England was expected to be a major career leap — both in financial and footballing terms — but it has yet to deliver the expected results.

Market Value Surge Cut Short

From a modest beginning, Baidoo’s market value soared during his time in Sweden. In just three years at IF Elfsborg, his value increased more than elevenfold, peaking at €3.5 million by December 2024. This surge reflected his status as one of the Swedish league’s top-performing midfielders. However, that upward trend stalled after his move to Plymouth, where he failed to replicate the form that had made him such a sought-after talent.

International Experience with Ghana

Baidoo’s international career started with the Ghana U-20 team, where he featured in the 2019 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. In October 2024, he made his senior debut for the Ghana national team. To date, he has earned three caps but is yet to contribute a goal or assist at the international level. Despite a slow start on the senior stage, he remains a promising talent for the Black Stars.

What’s Next for Baidoo?

Baidoo began the 2024/25 season with IF Elfsborg, where he stood out in the Europa League before making his high-profile move to Plymouth. However, a lack of preseason preparation and a mid-season switch may have contributed to his underwhelming performance in England. Still only 25, Baidoo has time to turn things around. Plymouth’s coaching staff believes that with a full preseason and more time to adapt to English football, he can become a key player in their push for promotion back to the Championship.