What we noticed from Sunderland's latest accounts and what it means for the future | OneFootball

Sunderland have published accounts for the 2024/25 promotion season, posting an operating loss of £1.1 million despite going up at Wembley. Sunderland Echo notes cumulative Championship losses of just under £20 million, achieved without parachute payments and with major academy input.

The period runs to the end of July last year, so it captures post-promotion transfers and bonus payouts. Even so, it shows promotion on a relatively sound footing and explains the heavy investment that followed.

Player sales remain central. A £45,853,000 profit from Jack Clarke, Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson, after Ross Stewart the year before, offset what would have been a far larger loss. Costs were tightly controlled, though promotion bonuses and early Premier League deals briefly pushed staff costs above turnover.

Since August, net spend is £47,436,348 with £101,641,979 still owed to other clubs and amortisation already above £10 million. TV income was just over £12 million last season and is set to approach £130 million next time, yet squad building will still lean on sales.

Turnover rose by just over £2 million through the new EFL TV deal and play-offs. With revenue growth a priority, prices are rising, hospitality is being upgraded and a pre-season tour in the United States is booked.

Debt is climbing. The interest-free shareholder loan stays at £19,820,000 with an intention to convert to equity, while £25,216,788 is owed to Akira BV, a Louis-Dreyfus-linked lender on commercial terms.

Source: Sunderland Echo