Nike’s popularity in China could give them edge in their battle with New Balance to become Liverpool’s new kit manufacturer, according to the Echo.
The Reds are currently at the centre of a tug of war between the two American brands, with a High Court date set to resolve the dispute over who will be awarded the lucrative contract.
But according to the report, Nike’s appeal to an Asian market could be the deciding factor.
The piece reads: “Nike’s sales in China last year grew by as much as 27 per cent and that could be a instrumental in Liverpool’s decision to side with them.
“It could be the ace-in-the-hole that will leave New Balance without an Anfield contract come next summer.”
OPINION
It feels as if it is increasingly likely that Liverpool will be signing a deal with Nike. The Reds are a true global brand, and they need a manufacturer who can match them in terms of status and output. Nike may not always win marks for originality, but certainly, the growth they benefitted from in Asian markets last year shows that they are capable of spreading Liverpool’s brand far and wide. What is more, even though many of their shirts in recent times have been relatively template-like, with several clubs wearing the same design in different colours, this season has seen a real shift towards retro-inspired third kits that reflect the personality and history of the clubs they represent. A few kits like that, matched with that massive global presence, and it’s pretty clear Nike would be a much better fit in the minds of many supporters.
