Sunderland accounts show promotion prudence, reliance on player sales and rising costs | OneFootball

Sunderland’s latest accounts for their Championship promotion season show success built on restraint, while underlining a reliance on player trading as costs rise.

According to Sunderland Echo, losses across three Championship seasons were just under £20 million without parachute payments, with academy graduates prominent in the ascent.

The period runs to July last year and includes major post-promotion transfers and Wembley bonuses. The £1.1 million operating loss came alongside a hefty transfer bill.

Profit on player trading was £45,853,000, chiefly from Jack Clarke, Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson. Without it, Sunderland would have posted a sizeable loss.

Since August the net spend is £47,436,348, with £101,641,979 still owed to other clubs. Amortisation topped £10 million and will rise again.

TV income was just over £12,000,000 last season and is set to be around £130,000,000 next time. Sales will still be needed to fund future windows.

Turnover rose by just over £2 million via the new EFL TV deal and playoffs. Retail fell to £1,180,000 after outsourcing to Fanatics and Hummel, not weaker demand.

Shareholder loans remain £19,820,000, interest free and intended for conversion to equity. External debt is £25,216,788 to Akira BV as of July 2025.

Academy players delivered 26% of minutes, averaging 5.04 per squad, highlighted by Chris Rigg and Watson’s Wembley winner. Those shares will drop after Premier League recruitment.

Source: Sunderland Echo