Aston Villa Players To Take 50% Pay Cut Next Season If They Stay With Club

Aston Villa players will be required to take a 50% pay drop "if they remain at the crisis club next season," according to Sami Mokbel of the London DAILY MAIL. A number of Villa players, in particular the most recent signings, "have pay drop clauses written into their contracts." Such clauses are "common practice at Premier League clubs, particularly those at the lower end of the table." A "clutch of players will see their salaries halved if they stay at the club following their relegation." The clauses are "likely to see a number of players agitate for a move away this summer." But given the poor season, "finding a new club will be easier said than done for a number of the club's underperformers." Meanwhile, Villa has suspended striker Gabby Agbonlahor "pending an investigation into off-field matters." The 29-year-old was "pictured with laughing gas canisters while partying in London" on the same night the club was relegated (DAILY MAIL, 4/19).