Man Utd Transfer News Today: De Jong BOOST, Antony UPDATE, Rashford to Arsenal?

Cameron Smith

• 2 Jan 2025 14:16 CST
• 5 min read

FootballTransfers runs through all the latest Manchester United transfer news, rumours and gossip, including updates on Frenkie de Jong, Antony and Marcus Rashford.

Frenkie de Jong boost

Frenkie de Jong is “beginning to consider” a Barcelona exit amid reports that he could finally join Manchester United in 2025.

That is according to Spanish outlet El Nacional, who report that an imminent Camp Nou departure is seen as a possibility, with Barcelona eager to offload the Dutchman in order to reduce their wage bill.

READ MORE: Man Utd's 10 most expensive transfers of all time

The Blaugrana have been unable to register Dani Olmo for the remainder of the 2024-25 La Liga season, and selling De Jong could help Barca in their bid to keep the Spain star.

Furthermore, De Jong recently admitted to Voetbal International: “People think I want to stay at Barca forever because life outside football is so good here, and it IS good, but it's less important to what happens on the pitch.

“If I’d feel that I can't contribute enough, or the team can't compete, I’d be gone.”

READ MORE: Man Utd top scorers 2024/25 - Zirkzee humiliated in Newcastle defeat

Antony to depart?

Antony could be close to sealing a Man Utd exit amid his struggles at Old Trafford.

The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Real Betis in recent weeks and the Spanish side are now close to selling Assane Diao to Como, as per Fabrizio Romano, which is set to free up space to sign Antony on loan until the end of the season.

Real Betis are expected to subsidise a significant portion of the player’s €240,000 (£200,000) weekly salary, and Man Utd could subsequently look to sell the ex-Ajax star this summer.

Marcus Rashford to Arsenal truth

Marcus Rashford has revealed that he is ready to leave Man Utd, but FootballTransfers understands that a move to Arsenal is currently unlikely.

The ex-England international hasn’t featured for Ruben Amorim’s side since 12 December and he has been tipped to depart his boyhood club in 2025 in search of a new adventure.

We have been informed that Arsenal have considered Rashford as a permanent option, however a deal remains improbable, while a loan move is off the table.

Similarly, a move to Saudi Arabia has been ruled. Ben Jacobs and Fabrizio Romano report that Rashford has formally rejected a centrally-coordinated approach from the Pro League.

Several clubs had expressed an interest in the 27-year-old and the player received a contract offer worth a whopping €42 million per season. However, he is determined to keep playing at the highest level with a view to participating at the 2026 World Cup.

Joshua Zirkzee support

Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand has issued his support to Joshua Zirkzee after the Dutchman was cheered off the pitch against Newcastle United on Monday.

The Netherlands international was withdrawn in the 33rd minute after a poor start to the game versus Eddie Howe’s side, and his substitution was greeted with ironic cheers by large sections of the Old Trafford crowd.

Following the incident, Ferdinand told his YouTube channel: “I feel for him. I'm really, really gutted for him as a former professional footballer.

“To be dragged off after 30 minutes is hard to take and then the reaction in the stadium as well, there was some boos and stuff like that. It's difficult, man. My heart goes out to him and I hope he can recover and I hope he gets rebuilt from within, from the players and the manager.”

Zikzee is being chased by both Juventus and Napoli, according to The Daily Mail, but he is determined to fight for his future at Old Trafford.

€1 billion threat

Man Utd face the worrying prospect of losing a sponsorship deal worth more than €1 billion if they are relegated from the Premier League.

The Red Devils have lost four successive games in all competitions and some critics have suggested they have been drawn into a relegation battle.

The Telegraph report there is a “doomsday scenario” that would see Man Utd have their €1.1 billion kit deal with sportswear firm Adidas cancelled.

The report states: “Adidas has the power under the terms of its 10-year agreement with United to scrap the entire £90 million-a-year contract at one full-season’s notice if the club were to drop out of England’s top flight.”

Youngsters to leave on loan

In addition to several expected outgoings at senior level, Man Utd are also eager to secure loan deals for academy stars Harry Amass and Dan Gore in January, according to Manchester World.

The Red Devils have identified both youngsters as players who would benefit from regular senior football and the club are reportedly determined to finalise loan exits during the mid-season transfer window.