Sunderland PSR update emerges as another financial loss now confirmed
Sunderland have posted a financial loss for the 18th year in a row, as they push for promotion to the Premier League this season.
The Mackems have posted a pre-tax loss of £8.6million for the year which ended in July 2024, as they charge towards success in the Championship.
Sunderland owner and chairman Kyril Louis Dreyfus is striving to create an ethos of financial sustainability, but it is proving difficult for the Black Cats.
Meanwhile, Regis Le Bris‘ men look set to land a play-off spot and will have a chance to compete for a place in next season’s Premier League.
Sunderland have not broken PSR regulations
The Black Cats’ pre-tax losses since 2006 now total a whopping £276.6million, but crucially the North East giants have not broken the EFL’s profitability and sustainability rules.
As reported by The Athletic, Sunderland’s pre-tax loss of £8.6million is actually the 10th-best result in the Championship, while over half of the second tier’s clubs amassed more than £20million in losses before player sales.
| Sunderland’s last four results | Championship 2024/25 |
| Opponent | Result |
| Leeds (A) | 2-1 L |
| Hull (H) | 0-1 L |
| Sheffield Weds (A) | 1-2 W |
| Cardiff (H) | 2-1 W |
The Mackems’ combined pre-tax loss over the last three-year cycle was £24.7million, which is over their permitted loss limit of £15million.
However, PSR regulations allow for some deductions, and The Athletic estimate that Sunderland had at least £20million in wriggle room, largely thanks to the costs of running a Category One academy.
Over the years, the Academy of Light has been responsible for some outstanding products, such as England’s first-choice goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Sunderland could make big player sales this summer
Another key reason Sunderland did not fall foul of PSR regulations is thanks to the fact that they have sold some key assets in recent transfer windows, such as striker Ross Stewart who joined Southampton in 2023, and former fan favourite Jack Clarke who left for Premier League Ipswich last summer.
The Black Cats are likely to facilitate even more significant player sales this summer, amid high-profile interest in midfielder Jobe Bellingham.
Chelsea are currently the favourites to sign the ace who has also attracted interest from the likes of Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Borussia Dortmund, who older brother Jude starred for before his big move to Real Madrid in 2024.
Chris Rigg is another key Mackems asset who has attracted plenty of potential suitors in the transfer market, as he has proven himself as one of the best midfielders in the Championship at the tender age of 17.