Sunderland accounts show promotion on solid footing but reliance on player sales | OneFootball

Sunderland’s latest accounts from their promotion season show a rise built on tight costs, yet continued reliance on player trading. According to Sunderland Echo, the filings left the club well placed to invest after going up.

The period ran to the end of July last year, capturing post-Wembley bonuses and transfer activity. They posted an operating loss of £1.1 million and a £45,853,000 profit on player trading, largely from Jack Clarke, Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson. Staff costs topped turnover as Premier League contracts began to land.

Since August net transfer spend is £47,436,348, with £101,641,979 still owed, and amortisation has risen above £10 million and will climb again next year. TV income was just over £12,000,000 and will rise to around £130,000,000 in the next accounts. Sales will remain vital to funding squad investment.

Turnover increased by just over £2 million, helped by the new EFL TV deal and play-offs. Retail and merchandising fell from just under £3,000,000 to £1,180,000, reflecting a reporting change after outsourcing to Fanatics and Hummel’s arrival. Revenue will be a key focus in the years ahead.

Shareholder loans remain £19,820,000, interest free, with an intention to convert to equity at some stage. External borrowing includes £25,216,788 owed to Dutch company Akira BV as of July 2025. Academy contributions stood out, with Chris Rigg featuring regularly and Tommy Watson scoring the Wembley winner, and the club missed out on a Stadium of Light concert last summer.

Source: Sunderland Echo