Reading FC reduced their annual losses significantly during the 2024-25 season after major player sales, newly released financial accounts show.
Figures for the year ending 30 June 2025, highlighted by football finance expert Kieran Maguire, reveal Reading recorded a loss before tax of £3.88m, down sharply from £13.06m the previous year.
The improvement was largely driven by increased profits from player transfers, which rose to £9.5m, compared with £3.99m in 2023-24.
Player sales key to reducing losses
Reading posted an operating loss of £3.76m, a major improvement on the £12.98m operating loss recorded the previous year.
This was helped by:
Profit on player sales: £9.51m (2024-25)
Profit on player sales: £3.99m (2023-24)
Despite this, the club still posted an overall loss after administrative costs and interest payments.
Player sales for the financial year of 2024/25 year included Sam Smith, Femi Azeez, Tyler Bindon and a sell on clause for Michael Olise.
Revenue falls slightly
Turnover for the year dropped slightly to £9.81m, down from £10.00m in 2023-24.
However, costs were also reduced:
Administrative expenses: £14.07m (down from £16.26m)
Cost of sales: £9.01m (down from £10.71m)
The figures suggest ongoing cost-cutting measures during a period of financial uncertainty at the club.
Financial reset continues
The latest figures indicate the club moved closer to financial sustainability during the 2024/25 campaign, although losses remain.
Key figures: Reading FC 2024-25
Turnover: £9.81m (down from £10.00m)
Operating loss: £3.76m (down from £12.98m)
Loss before tax: £3.88m (down from £13.06m)
Player sale profits: £9.51m (up from £3.99m)
Administrative expenses: £14.07m (down from £16.26m)
The accounts suggest Reading’s financial recovery is underway since the club was purchased by Rob Couhig and Todd Trosclair from Dai Yongge, but the club continues to rely heavily on player trading to balance the books.
