United seal world-record £750m kit deal
Manchester United have agreed the largest kit sponsorship deal in sporting history worth a staggering £750 million with adidas.
The club have signed a 10-year “global technical sponsorship and dual branded licensing” agreement with the German sportswear manufacturer which begins next season when United’s 12-year partnership with Nike finishes.
Nike announced it would not be extending their association with United earlier this month because they were unwilling to meet the proposed fees. The US Company had been paying £23.5m a year.
Champions League winners Real Madrid’s £31m-a-year deal with adidas was previously the biggest club deal.
The deal should boost United’s outlay in the transfer market this summer, with nearly £60m already committed for Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera.
Arturo Vidal is also believed to be close to joining the club for a fee in the region of £45m. The Juventus midfielder said at the weekend: “I am very relaxed and all of us would like to be in one of the best teams in the world.”
New manager Louis van Gaal reportedly remains interested in Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels, a World Cup winner with Germany though Arjen Robben turned down his Netherlands manager’s plea to join him at Old Trafford after Saturday’s 3-0 win over Brazil.
