What Man Utd could buy with their $1.6b adidas kit deal
Manchester United have secured a record kit deal with adidas worth a staggering £750 million ($1.6b).
According to ESPN FC, the German sportswear manufacturers' deal, which will see United pocket a minimum of £75m a year, is the biggest deal in sports licensing history and is worth more than twice the amount of the Red Devils' current sponsors Nike.
The US company were reluctant to match their rivals' record bid and will end a 13-year association with United at the end of their present deal in 2015.
A statement from United's official website read: "Manchester United plc has reached a ten-year agreement with adidas for a global technical sponsorship and dual branded licensing deal for a minimum guarantee of £750 million, subject to certain adjustments, beginning with the 2015/2016 campaign.
"For the 2014/2015 season, Nike will continue in its role of technical sponsor and trademark licensee."
The new deal marks a return to Old Trafford for adidas, who was the Red Devils kit sponsor in the 80s before making way for Umbro in 1992.
While adidas chief executive Herbert Hainer says the company will be expecting to make "£1.5b during the duration of our partnership", the news will certainly be huge boost for United as they prepare for their first season under new manager Louis van Gaal.
Here's a quick breakdown of what United could buy with all that money:
3 Lionel Messis (release clause at Barcelona worth £200m)
8 Gareth Bales (£86m to Real Madrid, 2013)
9 Cristiano Ronaldos (£80m to Real Madrid, 2009)
10 Luis Suarezes (£75m to Barcelona, 2014)
15 David Luizes (£50m to PSG, 2014)
20 Juan Matas (£37.1m from Chelsea, 2014)
29 Wayne Rooneys (£25.6m from Everton, 2004)
61 Cristiano Ronaldos (£12.24m from Sporting Lisbon, 2003)
101 Bebes (£7.4m from Vitoria Guimaraes)
And one last blast from the past...
625 Eric Cantonas (£1.2m from Leeds United)
Sources: Manchester United official website, BBC, ESPN FC
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