Manchester United have sealed a deal worth £70 million a season with Adidas.
Manchester United have secured a record breaking sponsorship deal with Adidas worth £70 million a season.
The Red Devils and Nike have ended their 13-year association, with Adidas’ new contract coming into effect from the 2015/16 season.
As well as having a number of teams in their stable, Adidas also have sponsorships with many of the world’s best players.
So could they push to sign any for or with United? Clearly names like Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez won’t be arriving any time soon, but what about these six?
Julian Draxler
German wonderkid Julian Draxler has been linked with a switch to the Premier League regularly over the past year, and United one of the potential suitors. An attacking midfielder with outstanding potential, Draxler can play through the centre or wide left. He scored five goals and provided seven assists last season.
Potential cost: £37m release clause.
Memphis Depay
Depay is Holland’s golden boy, touted as the next major Dutch star to make a name for himself outside the Eredivisie. Already a senior international, he will hope to have even more of a role to play by time Euro 2016 comes around. Working with countryman Louis van Gaal can be a big help for his development, and Depay would certainly be an upgrade on current wing options at Old Trafford.
Potential cost: £20 million.
Arjen Robben
Bayern Munich wants to keep Arjen Robben, and Robben is happy at Bayern, so no deal right? Well the sort of money United have just secured is a financial game-changer, and Van Gaal’s admiration of the productive attacker is no secret. A bid of £50 million for a 30-year-old could convince the German side to make a big decision.
Potential cost: £50 million.
Bastian Schweinsteiger
Another top Bayern star, but one who Pep Guardiola may be more amenable to selling. Schweinsteiger was under-utilised last season, with Thiago Alcantara, when fit, better suited to the manager’s system. Schweinsteiger and Van Gaal have worked well together in the past, and he showed at the World Cup that he is still at the top of his game.
Potential cost: £25 million.
Angel di Maria
Argentine winger Angel di Maria was a key player at Real Madrid last season, and the Spanish side are prepared to cash in on him. United have been strongly linked, as the Champions League winners seek to fund a blockbuster transfer for Monaco’s James Rodriguez. PSG are strongly rivalling United for his signature, but reports have indicated he prefers the Premier League.
Potential cost: £45 million.
Juan Cuadrado
Another South American superstar, Juan Cuadrado is a player wanted across Europe. The Fiorentina ace impressed for Colombia at the World Cup and the Serie A side are bracing themselves for big bids. Barcelona and Arsenal have been linked, but United’s financial boost could give them an edge.
Potential cost: £40 million.
Three Adidas stars United have already missed out on: Eliaquim Mangala, Toni Kroos, Gareth Bale.
Three Adidas stars United have signed: Juan Mata, Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw.
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