How much can Reading spend under SCR?

Reading has a guaranteed SCR spending limit of £5m — 85% of estimated football revenue of £10m.

What is Reading's SCR headroom?

Reading's estimated SCR headroom is −£1.4m — the difference between their guaranteed 85% limit of £5m and their estimated £6.4m squad cost.

EFL Squad Cost Ratio

How much can Reading spend?

Under the EFL's Squad Cost Ratio rules, Reading have a guaranteed spending limit of £5m — 85% of estimated football revenue of £10m. Against their estimated squad cost that is £1.4m short.

Reading: the SCR breakdown

Estimated revenue (football) reported £10m
85% SCR limit (no owner top-up) £5m
Estimated squad cost estimated £6.4m
Headroom vs 85% limit −£1.4m

Restricted - squad cost is 63.8% of revenue

What this means

On these estimates, Reading are spending well above what SCR allows. Closing that gap usually means selling players or growing revenue before they can strengthen further.

Note on this club's figures. 2023-24 revenue £10m (down from £18.67m Championship). 2024-25 accounts show losses narrowed; new owner Rob Couhig since mid-2024. Est. 2025-26 wages £122,740/wk (£6.38m/yr). Wages historically 127%+ of revenue. Total debt ~£80m (highest in L1 — Dai Yongge era). Average weekly wage fell to £5,918 in 2025 (record low). Wages as % of income still 127% in 2025 — severe chronic SCMP breach risk. EFL owner deposit rules breached under previous ownership. Sources: sentinelsportsgroup.co.uk (revenue/wages), insidermedia.com (2024-25 losses narrowed), rdg.today (wage history analysis).
Source.

Compare Reading with another club

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Figures are illustrative estimates from published accounts and public reporting, not official SCR submissions. SCR uses adjusted football revenue, which differs from headline turnover. Last reviewed 2026-05-17. Full rules explainer →