How could reported Championship wage-cuts impact Leeds United?

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The Telegraph is reporting that Championship clubs could be considering a pay-cut, capped at £6,000-a-week, until the Football League season resumes to help alleviate the financial burden caused by the global health crisis. 

For several clubs it will mean a big reduction in wages for several players – including Leeds United. 

As reported by The Times last year, Andrea Radrizzani admitted to Leeds having a player and coaching staff wage bill of £40 million-a-season. Marcelo Bielsa, the club’s mercurial manager, is reportedly (Daily Mail) on £65,000-a-week.

It is not known if his wages will also be impacted but Leeds have several players reportedly earning way above the proposed £6,000-a-week cap. 

Currently suspended goalkeeper Kiko Casilla is believed to be the highest paid player at Elland Road. Leeds United journalist Phil Hay called the one-cap Spanish international ‘comfortably the club’s highest earner’ last June, on £35,000-a-week. 

Patrick Bamford is likely to be a high earner whilst Kalvin Phillips’ recently signed new contract reportedly (Daily Mail) saw his wages bumped up to £20,000-a-week. 

Loanees Jean-Kevin Augustin, Helder Costa, and Jack Harrison are also among Leeds’ big earners.

Even Eunan O’Kane, a player rarely seen at Leeds United these days, is on a reported (Daily Star) £12,000-a-week, meaning a potential 50 percent reduction in his wages. 

However, the majority of Leeds first-team squad are on wages not too different to the potential capped amount. 

Leeds fans will hope, and expect, that the majority of this brilliant group will happily take the cut if it is necessary to help in this current crisis.