Wrexham vs Southampton starting 11 salary comparison ahead of April face-off

March 24, 2026

A starting XI salary comparison between Wrexham and Southampton ahead of their crucial April playoff decider.

The upcoming Wrexham vs Southampton April clash has long been viewed as a playoff decider. With the EFL recently announcing the playoff schedule, the stakes of the tie have become even clearer for both promotion contenders.

While these sides are set for a virtual playoff contest, the clash pits an uprising club against a former Premier League side. With Southampton having played in the top flight as recently as last year, the occasion will remind fans of Wrexham’s early 2026 meeting with Nottingham Forest.

Notably, Wrexham pulled off a massive Cupset against Nottingham Forest by defeating the Premier League side with a lineup that cost less than the signing fee for Omari Hutchinson alone.

If Wrexham get the better of Southampton in this crucial home contest, those comparisons are bound to resurface. On that note, here’s a look at the salary comparison between the two sides’ most recent starting XIs, using weekly salary figures from Capology:

Arthur Okonkwo(£3k) Vs Daniel Peretz(£12.5k)

Okonkwo vs Daniel Peretz might be the most underrated matchup in this crucial Wrexham‑Southampton clash. Despite both being among the lowest‑paid players in their respective squads, they’ve been excellent this campaign.

Peretz’s 4x higher salary than Arthur Okonkwo makes statistical sense. The Saints keeper has recorded more than half of Okonkwo’s clean sheet tally in about a third of the games.

Callum Doyle(£15k) Vs Taylor Harwood-Bellis(£7.5k)

Callum Doyle up against Taylor Harwood-Bellis brings an exciting matchup between two former Man City talents. While Doyle has been phenomenal for Wrexham, Harwood-Bellis’ inclusion in Fotmob’s provisional team of the season speaks for his quality.

Doyle and Harwood-Bellis are both Premier League-level players, and the latter is somewhat unlucky to be the lowest earner in his lineup.

Dom Hyam(£12.5k) Vs Jack Stephens(£40k)

Wrexham Vs Southampton will kick off when Dom Hyam and Jack Stephens lead their sides to the centre. With both club captains being centre-backs, they will compete against each other directly in the much-awaited faceoff.

Jack Stephens’ 4x higher salary than Dom Hyam is the result of his long service in the Premier League. Otherwise, a comparison of their recent quality would likely tip the scales toward Dom Hyam.

Max Cleworth(£10k) Vs James Bree(£20k)

While a direct comparison between Cleworth & James Bree’s roles is difficult, they are similar in their ability to drive the ball forward and contribute to attacks.

Though Cleworth has improved tremendously in the Championship campaign, James Bree has been far more impactful for his side this season. Deservedly, their respective wages reflect that difference.

George Thomason(£10k) Vs Ryan Manning(£15k)

Despite being a makeshift left wing‑back, George Thomason has been convincing for Wrexham in the role Ryan Manning occupies for Southampton.

Both Thomason and Manning are having the season of their lives, and their near‑identical wages reflect just how vital they are to their respective sides’ Premier League promotion pushes.

Zak Vyner(£12.5k) Vs Shea Charles(£10k)

Vyner Vs Shea Charles matchup will be quite interesting for fans to witness in the middle of the park. While both players enter the matchday in form, the edge likely goes to Charles after his recent golazo against Oxford.

Even though Charles’ prominence for Southampton is sure to see him bag a raise sooner than later, he’s on a similar paycheck as Vyner for now.

George Dobson(£12.5k) Vs Flynn Downes(£30k)

Dobson Vs Flynn Downes is the classic ruthless pivot‑vs‑pivot matchup. Both these defensive midfielders carry relentless passion to defend their side, and their season summaries reflect that.

While Dobson recently returned after serving a 3-game suspension, Downes narrowly avoided a suspension himself after having come close to a 10th yellow card accumulation.

Even though their salary structure suggests an astronomical difference, Dobson is in no way inferior to Downes, if not better.

Issa Kabore(£15k) Vs Tom Fellows(£30k)

Next comes the matchup between crossing specialists Issa Kabore and Tom Fellows. Despite covering a more demanding role, Kabore has matched Fellows’ assist tally (six) in far fewer minutes.

Fair to say, Kabore’s considerably low paycheck is partly a function of his loan deal and Wrexham’s first season back in the Championship. Fans will be eager to see if he can outshine Fellows when it matters most.

Josh Windass(£15k) Vs Fin Azaz(£50k)

The attacker matchups begin with Josh Windass vs Fin Azaz. Behind Kieffer Moore (Wrexham) and Adam Armstrong (Southampton), the pair lead their respective clubs’ scoring charts.

Despite the significant wage gap, Josh Windass matching Azaz’s goal contributions in fewer minutes played speaks to his greater efficiency.

Lewis O’Brien(£17.5k) Vs Cameron Archer(£40k)

This has to be the biggest mismatch in salary paychecks in this whole comparison. While Lewis O’Brien has been a hit for Wrexham in multiple midfield roles, Cameron Archer has been a backup for Southampton.

The only plausible reason for Archer’s astronomically higher wage is his Aston Villa youth pedigree. If he starts against Wrexham, O’Brien will have every chance to prove he’s by far the more decisive of the two.

Sam Smith(£15k) Vs Cyle Larin(£12.5k)

Finally, comes the striker Vs striker matchup featuring two in-form stars. While Larin opened the scoring in Southampton’s recent win, Sam Smith netted the winner for Wrexham in their 2-1 victory at Bramall Lane.

Though both their recent impact for their respective sides has been similar, Sam Smith’s higher goal tally gives him a slight edge that is even reflected in their wages.

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