Lookman, Chukwueze, Okoye, other Nigerians in Serie A facing possible 25% salary deduction

A sweeping reform in Italian football is set to affect Nigerian players plying their trade in Serie A, including stars like Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Maduka Okoye.

A new five-year collective bargaining agreement means any player whose team gets relegated will face a mandatory 25% salary cut.

The Italian Footballers' Association and Serie A have jointly approved a system that automatically slashes players’ wages by 25% if their clubs are relegated to Serie B.

This policy, set to take effect from September 2, 2025, aims to cushion clubs financially after the major revenue losses that typically accompany demotion.

The new terms only apply to contracts signed after this date, meaning players like Lookman and Chukwueze could be directly impacted if they sign extensions or move within Italy after the transfer window closes.

For many Nigerians in the league, this development adds a new layer of caution into career planning, especially for those at mid-table or struggling clubs. Players who already have contracts in place will not be affected unless they renegotiate or sign fresh deals.

The agreement signals a shift in how Italian clubs handle financial risks, placing part of that burden directly on the players.

The new system has a built-in mechanism: salaries will be reduced automatically unless the contract specifically opts out of the clause.

However, one key protection remains: players will still be entitled to a minimum wage based on age, even after a pay cut.

If a relegated team earns promotion back to Serie A, salaries will return to their original value. Nigerian players in Italy must now negotiate with a sharper eye, knowing relegation carries a direct and guaranteed financial penalty.