Liverpool announce British record deal with Nike

LONDON: Liverpool have confirmed they have agreed a multiyear sponsorship deal with Nike from the start of next season with the contract worth a record £80 million (RM431.8 million) per year.

Their partnership with the American sports and footwear brand is due to start on June 1, 2020 with Nike to kit out the senior men’s team, women’s side, academy squads, coaching staff and Liverpool FC Foundation.

Liverpool’s deal with Nike will see the club earn more than Manchester United’s current contract with Adidas, which seems them earn £75 million a year.

United’s deal with Adidas was a British record but they have been trumped by their long-time rivals.

Real Madrid (£98 million) and Barcelona (£100 million) are the only European football teams who will earn more than Liverpool through kit sponsorship.

Current sponsors New Balance, who have supplied the Reds’ kits since 2015, were desperate to maintain their partnership with Liverpool but the club have decided to cut ties with the Bostonbased company.

Liverpool said in a statement: “Liverpool FC are delighted to announce Nike, the world's leading footwear and apparel company, as their official kit supplier from the 2020-21 season.

“The partnership coincides with our move into a new, stateof-the-art training facility in Kirkby for the 2020-21 season, a project that includes investment in improved sport facilities for the local community.”

Liverpool managing director Billy Hogan added: “As a brand, Nike reflects our ambitions for growth, and we look forward to working with them to bring fans new and exciting products.”

Nike will be delighted at the timing of the deal as European champions Liverpool are top of the Premier League.

Jurgen Klopp’s men are 13 points clear of second-placed Leicester and have a game in hand over the Foxes.