‘There is no denying it’ – Man City have caught up Liverpool after stunning deal
Manchester United fans are in denial about Manchester City’s growth as their latest deal indicates they are now a “major” player.
Man City have extended their partnership with Puma for a further 10 years, with the contract reportedly worth a minimum of £1billion.
The 10-time English champions initially signed a £65million-a-year deal with the German kit manufacturer in 2019.
Pep Guardiola’s side latest deal, which is believed to be worth a Premier League record £100million a year, surpasses the £90million-a-year agreement rivals Man United signed with Adidas.
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider clubs are now coming for Man United following their recent commercial struggles.
Man City posted a record-breaking revenue in their latest published accounts for 2023-24 after their turnover increased by £2.2million to £715million, while their commercial income rose from £341.4million to £344.7million.
Man United’s turnover reached a club-record £661.8million in 2023-24, but commercial revenue at Old Trafford has remained static at £302.9million over the past couple of years.
Man City have built ‘very big’ commercial presence
Borson insisted Man City are now a “major” player on the global football scene following their latest deal with Puma.
He told Football Insider: “It is as clear an indicator of commercial expansion as you can get about what’s happened with Manchester City.
“A number of opposition fans of other clubs are in denial about what’s happened over the last 10 years. The reality is that City are a very major player on the global football scene, particularly internationally.
“If you go to Asia, you go to the Middle East, you go to America, City have built a very large following in those markets. They have not completely displaced every other team, of course.
“We know that the other teams in that big six also have very material followings in some of those key markets and some more than others in individual pockets. But City do have now a very big commercial presence in those markets.
“They do have many millions of followers and they have caught up with the more established clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool. There is just simply no denying it.
“There are multiple underlying industry reports that confirm this to be the case that are being used by sponsors and people selling sponsorships and people selling these sorts of deals with partners. So, it’s just beyond doubt at this stage.
“Therefore, I think it’s now at the point where if teams like Manchester United continue to sort of work in a state of denial as to the competition that they get from other clubs like Manchester City, they’ll find that they start to slip down these tables in terms of the deals that they can do.
“Manchester United have already got a situation where, for example, they have no training kit sponsor for this season. It expired three weeks ago, and they have no training kit sponsor.
“That’s because other teams are more attractive and offer better value for money than Manchester United. The fans can keep denying the size of other challenger clubs, the Newcastle’s, Manchester City, Aston Villa and the growth of these clubs.
“Neither Villa nor Newcastle are at City’s level in terms of global appeal, but they’re all coming for Manchester United, for example.
“This is just another piece of absolute certainty in terms of evidence as to what’s happening out there with people and with demand for Manchester City produce.”
Man City accelerate James McAtee sale
In terms of a potential exit at the Etihad Stadium, Football Insider revealed on 14 July Man City are planning to sell James McAtee this summer.
Several Premier League and Bundesliga clubs are now considering moves for the 22-year-old as the race for his signature hots up.
It is understood McAtee could snub Premier League interest in favour of a move to Germany if he is to complete a move away from the Etihad.
For more Man City and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.