Southampton become first Premier League club to agree wage deferrals for players and staff

Saints’ squad have opted to defer part of their salaries for three months along with the board of directors, manager Ralph Hasenhüttl and his coaching staff

Southampton have become the first Premier League club to reach an agreement with players over wage deferrals to assist with cash flow during the coronavirus crisis.

The Independent revealed on Tuesday that discussions would materialise on a club-by-club basis after talks over a blanket deal broke down on Saturday.

Top-flight footballers rejected the Premier League’s suggestion of a standard 30% cut or deferral over a 12-month period due to their varying financial and contractual circumstances.

Southampton’s squad have opted to defer part of their salaries for the months of April, May and June along with the board of directors, manager Ralph Hasenhüttl and his coaching staff.

The south coast club also confirmed it not use the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme during this period.

Southampton’s owners, Mr. Gao and Katharina Liebherr, have “put measures in place to ensure that all staff not deferring part of their salaries will continue to receive 100% of their pay, paid in the normal way until 30th June.”