AC Milan set on cutting back players' pay

By Alberto Cagliano Jun 17, 2009, 13:52 GMT

Rome - AC Milan are looking to kick off a virtuous financial course after the lucrative sale of Brazil star Kaka to Real Madrid.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reported Wednesday that new arrival from Porto, Aly Cissokho, will cost the Devils 10 times less than what they paid the Brazil international.

Although it's hard to compare the 2007 FIFA world player to the the 21-year-old French defender, Cissokho's pay per season substantially helps the Devils' efforts to balance their budget by slimming contracts.

Cissokho, if he passes further medical tests requested by AC Milan, is expected to cost Milan 2 million euros (2.7 million dollars), half of which goes in his pocket, while Kaka weighed on Milan's budget for 20 million euros, which covered his pay and taxes.

A substantial reduction estimated at 54 million has been made possible by several departures, beside that of Kaka, which yielded Milan 64.5 millions.

Veterans Andriy Shevchenko, costing the club 10 million, Brazilian Emerson, Englishman David Beckham, the young Swiss Philippe Senderos and the retiring Paolo Maldini allowed a reduction of 54 millions - about 30 per cent of the 172 millions spent for players in the past season.

Brazilian Ronaldinho, despite having been fielded scarcely, is now Milan's top-earning player at 8 millions net per season, meaning 16 for the club's coffers.

International Andrea Pirlo trails on 6.5 million net, while Dutch veteran Clarence Seedorf cashes in 5 millions.

There could be trouble in case the red-blacks manage to snatch striker Edin Dzeko from German champions Wolfsburg as the Bosnian striker, 23, is unlikely to accept a transfer for a net pay of 2.5 millions.

A raise, despite the financial austerity, is likely for Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato, 19, who expects to earn more than the current 1 million net, and is being chased by English giants Chelsea.