Italian football has witnessed its fair share of Nigerian magic over the years, but when it comes to serious spending, only a few transfers truly stand out.
In this article, Footynaija.com brings you the five most expensive Nigerian football moves ever recorded in Italian football.
5. Stephen Makinwa – Genoa to Palermo (€7.5 million, 2005)
In 2005, Stephen Makinwa was one of the hottest attacking prospects in Serie A. After scoring goals for fun with Atalanta and Modena, Genoa snapped him up and then flipped him to Palermo in a high-profile deal worth €7.5 million.
Makinwa brought his pace and work rate to Sicily, although he never quite matched the hype that surrounded his price tag. Still, the fee remains one of the highest ever paid for a Nigerian forward within Italy.
4. David Okereke – Club Brugge to Cremonese (€10 million, 2022)
Cremonese stunned many in the summer of 2022 when they broke their transfer record to land David Okereke from Club Brugge for €10 million. The Nigerian striker had shown promise during his loan spell at Venezia the season before, and Cremonese believed he could lead their survival fight.
3. Ademola Lookman – RB Leipzig to Atalanta (€15 million, 2022)
Ademola Lookman’s move to Atalanta in August 2022 for €15 million turned out to be one of the smartest investments the Bergamo club ever made. He had bounced around on loans at Fulham and Leicester, but Gian Piero Gasperini saw something different in him, and Lookman didn’t disappoint.
The winger made an instant impact in Serie A with goals, assists, and brilliant individual displays. By 2025, Atalanta had placed about €60 million price tag on his head, with top clubs like PSG, Barcelona, and Arsenal showing interest.
2. Samuel Chukwueze – Villarreal to AC Milan (€28 million, 2023)
AC Milan made headlines in July 2023 when they signed Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze from Villarreal in a deal worth a total of €21.10 million.
Chukwueze arrived with experience from La Liga and the Europa League, and the Rossoneri saw him as a long-term fit on the right flank.
1. Victor Osimhen – Lille to Napoli (€75–81 million, 2020)
At number one, and far ahead of everyone else, stands Victor Osimhen, whose transfer from Lille to Napoli in 2020 shattered records. Napoli reportedly paid €70 million upfront, with the deal eventually rising to €75–81 million after add-ons and bonuses.
The move made Osimhen not just the most expensive Nigerian player in Italian history, but also one of the most expensive signings in Serie A ever.