Leaked images show blockbuster Leeds off-pitch deal is done
The new Leeds United kit deal with adidas has yet to be announced but leaked images of the shirt they may wear back in the top flight show there is no doubt it is done.
A United source has told Football Insider the new agreement with the German sportswear giants was signed months ago but the launch has been postponed due to the season’s suspension.
The original plan had been for a late May/early June launch but that has been put on hold with their promotion bid up in the air.
The expectation was that adidas would formally take over from Kappa from 1 July, in readiness for what would normally have been the new season.
But the final elements of the deal are still to be finalised, as the precise value of the deal will depend on whether Marcelo Bielsa’s Championship-leading side win promotion to the Premier League.
Nevertheless, there is plenty of buzz around the new kit, although it has not necessarily been of the positive kind after leaked images emerged of the new away kit.
Well respected leaks website Footy Headlines uploaded pictures yesterday of the 2020/21 away strip, featuring a pattern of blue vertical stripes and the adidas stripes in gold on the shoulders.
The two shades of alternating blue run across the entire shirt, with the darker shade also chosen for the collar.
It is among 19 new kits across European clubs being launched by adidas this summer.
It is fair to say that it is one that has got a worse reception from supporters than most, ahead of what promises to be the club’s first Premier League campaign in 16 years.
Bielsa’s side will resume their Championship season next week seven points clear of third place and well placed to go up automatically with nine matches remaining.
Leeds have agreed term with adidas and that is likely to mean a huge uplift on the expiring five-year deal with Kappa, which is worth around £2million a year and dependent upon shirt sales.
In other Leeds United news, it can be REVEALED there has been a major development in the club’s bid to sign a new centre-back.