Man Utd in Carlos Baleba transfer boost following £666m announcement

Manchester United’s financial accounts show the Red Devils are in a good spot ahead of the January transfer window, and their interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba’s could well be revisited

Manchester United’s chances of signing Carlos Baleba have been lifted by their recent financial results. The Red Devils recently revealed the results of their fourth quarter trading period for the year ended June 30, 2025, showing their financial power.

Despite a challenging time on the pitch for Ruben Amorim’s team, who suffered a resounding 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in the derby on Sunday, the club continues to perform well commercially. After raking in £164million in revenues for the fourth quarter, their annual income reached a record-breaking £666.5m.

The club also confirmed that these figures put them in a strong position regarding the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). This will significantly boost their hopes of making a renewed bid for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba.

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The Red Devils had considered a move for the central midfielder shortly after they brought Benjamin Sesko into their new frontline, which also features Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. However, when Brighton slapped a hefty price tag – thought to be around £100m – on him, United temporarily withdrew their interest, reports the Manchester Evening News.

They could revisit their interest in the 21-year-old in 2026, as the club’s midfield has been a noticeable weak spot. United have also been linked with a move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as an alternative.

Thanks to their robust financial performance, United will have some extra funds, which could be used to potentially move players like Baleba. Speaking on the Reds’ financial results, CEO Omar Berrada stated: “As we settle into the 2025/26 season, we are working hard to improve the club in all areas.

“On the field, we are pleased with the additions we have made to our men’s and women’s first team squads over the summer, as we build for the long-term. Off the field, we are emerging from a period of structural and leadership change with a refreshed, streamlined organisation equipped to deliver on our sporting and commercial objectives.

“We are also investing to upgrade our infrastructure, including completion of the £50m redevelopment of our men’s first team building at Carrington, on time and on budget, following prior investment in our women’s team facilities, to create a world-class environment for our players and staff.

“Meanwhile, planning continues to meet our ambition of developing a new stadium at Old Trafford as part of a transformational regeneration of the surrounding community. To have generated record revenues during such a challenging year for the club demonstrates the resilience which is a hallmark of Manchester United.

“Our commercial business remains strong as we continue to deliver appealing products and experiences for our fans, and best-in-class value to our partners. As we start to feel the benefits of our cost-reduction programme, there is significant potential for improved financial performance, which will, in turn, support our overriding priority: success on the pitch.”

The Red Devils have been grappling with midfield issues throughout Amorim’s tenure, with Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte being his preferred choices. Meanwhile, United academy starlet Kobbie Mainoo has been vying for a spot in the team against the club captain.

United are set to welcome Chelsea at Old Trafford on Saturday evening, before heading off to Brentford for their next Premier League fixture.

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