I think when I was playing IAG2 I found it really easy to keep players wages low and even get them to accept zero appearance fees. I think at one point 3/4 of my team back then were on 0 appearance fees, even the top player, I also used to very rarely give them signing on fees, and when I did it was extremely low.
Im now working on this current team I have done some research on one of my players in regards to lowering his wages, or at least keeping them lowish for his current rating. But I have no idea how to get them that low, so fairplay to him for sussing it out, as, I think we all know, finances are a crucial element in this game.