Reading FC have added another player to their first team with the acquisition of striker Mark O’Mahony on a season-long loan from Premier League Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 19-year-old Republic of Ireland youth international joins the Royals ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, bolstering Noel Hunt’s attacking options after spending the last campaign on loan at Championship outfit Portsmouth where he scored three goals in 13 appearances.
CEO, Joe Jacobson, said: “Mark is someone who has been highly sought after in this transfer window. The Manager speaking to him personally has made him want to come here, Noel’s thoughts on the player and how he sees him playing and developing was key.
“It’s an exciting addition, and another player with experience in the league above. He’s very highly thought of at Brighton, and we’d like to place on record our thanks to them for entrusting us to offer him game time and provide further development.”
First Team Manager, Noel Hunt, added: “Mark is a young hungry striker who wants to come in and develop at our club. He’s young and he wants to learn his trade after having a successful loan deal last year at Portsmouth in the Championship.
“He learnt plenty whilst playing at that level, which will stand him in good stead for the upcoming season. He’s another player who has come through a really strong Academy, and will be a great addition to our squad.”
O’Mahony began his football journey with Carrigaline United before moving to Cork City, where he quickly rose through the youth ranks and made his senior debut in 2022. That same year, he helped Cork City win the League of Ireland First Division, earning promotion, and caught the eye with his prolific scoring record at youth international level.
In January 2023, O’Mahony made the move to Brighton & Hove Albion, signing a three-year deal. He continued to impress in the Premier League 2 for Brighton’s U21s, earning international recognition and multiple youth awards, including FAI U17 and U19 Player of the Year.
In April 2024, he made his Premier League debut against Burnley, before featuring for the final quarter of an hour against Champions elect Manchester City just 12 days later. In August of 2024 he would score his first senior goal in a 4-0 EFL Cup victory at home to Crawley Town, shortly after he would sign a contract extension with Brighton until 2027.
For the 2024/25 season, he joined Portsmouth on loan, gaining valuable Championship experience and scoring three goals in 13 appearances. Internationally, O’Mahony has represented Ireland at U17, U19, and U21 levels.
O’Mahony will join the squad immediately as pre-season preparations continue.
