Sunderland's Rodwell faces big pay cut

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Jack Rodwell is facing a 40 per cent wage cut next season, regardless of which division Sunderland are playing in. 

The midfielder. who has not featured since September, currently earns £73,000 a week but will see his weekly wage drop to £44k as he enters the final year of the five-year contract he signed in 2014.

Cash-strapped Sunderland have struggled to cope with the midfielder's huge pay cheque this season and offered him a free transfer in January.

He was the only member of the squad relegated from the Premier League last season who didn't have a relegation clause in his contract.

Interesting development that Jack Rodwell will have his wages cut by 40% next season whatever league Sunderland find themselves in - but £44,000-a-week is still a sum Sunderland can ill-afford.

— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) April 12, 2018

However, Rodwell's pay cut only came into effect if Sunderland did not make an instant return to the Premier League, meaning if he decides to stay next season his wages will fall by 40 per cent to just over £2m per year.

Sunderland have been trying to get Rodwell off their books this season, with manager Chris Coleman insisting the midfielder hasn't made himself available for selection.

Rodwell has only played twice in the Championship all season despite stating in January that he was as fit as he'd ever been.

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The 27-year-old had a couple of offers from clubs abroad in January but turned them down. Instead he continues to train with the Academy players apart from the first team squad.

In addition to Rodwell, players signed last summer also face a 40 per cent pay cut if Sunderland are relegated to League One.

But those who played in the Premier League for Sunderland and saw their wages cut for a first time after relegation last summer will face no further reduction - if the club decide to keep them on the books.

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