Reading Signs Manchester City Defender Finley Burns on Season-Long Loan

Reading FC has strengthened its squad for the 2025/26 season by securing two promising young players on season-long loans: striker Mark O'Mahony from Brighton & Hove Albion and centre-back Finley Burns from Manchester City. Burns, 22, has gained valuable experience through loan spells at Swansea City, Stevenage, and Hull City, with a notable 37 appearances in League One for Stevenage, where he contributed to one of the division's tightest defenses and earned Young Player of the Season honors. Despite limited game time at Hull in the Championship last season due to injury, Burns's progression to Reading indicates Manchester City's confidence in his potential. Reading's CEO Joe Jacobson described Burns's signing as a "real coup," while manager Noel Hunt praised his attitude and experience at a top academy. Both Burns and O'Mahony bring Premier League club pedigree combined with practical first-team experience, positioning them to make immediate impacts in League One. These additions follow other defensive signings and suggest a strategic emphasis on youth and experience to push for promotion after narrowly missing the play-offs last season.