Leeds pulling power lands lucrative adidas kit deal

LEEDS have agreed a major new kit deal with adidas, which will see the club wear the famous three stripes for the first time in their 100-year history. The German sportswear giants will replace Kappa as the Whites’ shirt manufacturers from next season. The value of the deal will depend on whether Marcelo Bielsa’s side win promotion to the Premier League. But adidas will make Leeds’ kit regardless of what division they are in, as they look to cash in on the club’s replica shirt sales, which are among the best in the country despite their Championship status. United’s strip has been made by Kappa since 2015 but their contract with the Italian company expires at the end of this season. Leeds’ kit was supplied by Nike when they were last in the Premier League in 2004, and they have also previously worn Umbro, Admiral, Asics, Puma, Diadora and Macron. But this will be the first time Leeds have used adidas in a clear sign of their return to prominence under boss Bielsa and owner Andrea Radrizzani. Leeds are also likely to be on the look-out for a new front-of-shirt sponsor if they reach the Premier League, although their deal with 32Red has another year to run. The gambling firm have caused controversy this season by backing Derby’s signing of Wayne Rooney, who wears No 32 on his shirt. Preston are also sponsored by 32Red and are trying to sever ties with them having been angered by the Rooney deal. Preston’s contract expires this summer but the online casino company have the option to extend it by a further 12 months.