Nathan Tella is a dynamic Nigerian football talent whose rapid transition to the German Bundesliga has marked him out as one of the Super Eagles’ most exciting modern wingers. Renowned for his explosive speed, versatility, and intelligent movement between the lines, he provides a high-octane attacking option for both club and country.
Currently, Tella is playing in the German Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, where he has become a key part of the squad’s historic era under the management of Xabi Alonso. Since his move from England in 2023, he has successfully adapted to the high-tempo demands of German football and European competition.
At the international level, Tella officially committed his future to Nigeria in late 2023. While a recent knee injury sidelined him during the final stages of 2025, he remains a central figure in the long-term plans of the Super Eagles, having earned significant praise for his technical quality and work rate.
Salary
Per professional estimates and contract disclosures, Nigerian international Nathan Tella earns a competitive salary at Bayer Leverkusen. He is currently on a five-year contract that runs until June 30, 2028.
Tella earns approximately €65,000 per week (£50,000), which equates to more that €3 million annually. His deal reflects the significant investment made by the German club following his successful stint in the English Championship and his high ceiling as a multi-functional forward.
| Annual Salary | €3,120,000 |
| Monthly Salary | €260,000 |
| Weekly Salary | €65,000 |
| Daily Salary | €9,286 |
Market Value
According to Transfermarkt, the 26-year-old Nigerian winger’s current market value is approximately €15 million as of December 2025.
His valuation saw a significant rise following Leverkusen’s unbeaten domestic double in 2024, and he remains one of Nigeria’s most valuable offensive exports. Despite recent injury layoffs, his pedigree as a former Arsenal youth product and Bundesliga winner keeps his market stock high.
| Date | Market Value | Age | Club |
| 03.18.2021 | €1,500,000 | 21 | Southampton |
| 06.15.2022 | €1,800,000 | 22 | Southampton |
| 03.24.2023 | €12,000,000 | 23 | Burnley |
| 06.01.2023 | €18,000,000 | 23 | Southampton |
| 05.29.2024 | €23,000,000 | 24 | Bayer Leverkusen |
| 12.20.2024 | €18,000,000 | 25 | Bayer Leverkusen |
| 12.19.2025 | €15,000,000 | 26 | Bayer Leverkusen |
Career
Nathan Tella’s football journey is a story of resilience and tactical evolution, moving from the elite academies of London to the pinnacle of German football:
- Youth / Early Career: Developed at the Arsenal Academy for ten years before moving to Southampton in 2017. He made his Premier League debut with the Saints in 2020, showcasing his potential as a high-speed wide player.
- Burnley Loan (2022–2023): Had a sensational breakout season in the Championship, scoring 17 league goals and helping the Clarets secure promotion. This performance made him one of the most sought-after young wingers in Europe.
- Bayer Leverkusen (2023–Present): Completed a €23 million move to Germany. He was a vital squad member during Leverkusen’s historic 2023/24 unbeaten Bundesliga title run, proving his versatility by operating as a winger, wing-back, and attacking midfielder.
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Accolades & Highlights
Tella’s career reached new heights in 2024 when he lifted both the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal trophies. He was also a runner-up in the 2024 UEFA Europa League, gaining invaluable experience on the continental stage.
For the Super Eagles, his debut against Zimbabwe in 2023 marked the beginning of his journey as a cap-tied Nigerian international.
Although injury forced him to miss the final 2025 AFCON group games, his return to fitness in early 2026 is highly anticipated by fans in both Leverkusen and Lagos.
