French radio station RMC today reported that Olympique Marseille and Puma will sign a five-year deal in the coming days. The deal, which is set to start from the 2018-19 season, is expected to be worth between 14 and 15 million Euro, excluding bonuses.
RMC also reports that there are two main reasons why OM chose Puma over Adidas. First, Puma will bring the club on the same level as Dortmund and Arsenal in international advertising campaigns. Second, Puma offered a five years deal, whereas Adidas just offered a four year deal.
Olympique Marseille to Have No Main Sponsor Next Season
It was already rumored that OM will have to find a new main sponsor ahead of the 2017-18 season, and RMC also revealed new details on Marseille's ongoing negotiations with different brands.
Olympique Marseille refused an offer from a sports betting site as the offer was not good enough. The club could have no main sponsors at all next season but show a highlight of the city on the front as they do not want to sell their main sponsor place on the front of the jersey below market price. The club aspires to play in the Champions League in the 2018-2019 season with thier new investor.
Update: Reliable French newspaper L'ÉQUIPE has reported that Puma will become Olympique Marseille's new kit supplier from the 2018-19 season, paying them 14 million Euro a year, excluding bonuses. Last Monday, Adidas confirmed that they would not renew their deal with OM.
According to French football news site @InstantFoot, Olympique Marseille and Puma are close to officially announcing a kit supplier partnership that would start with the 2018-19 season.
Olympique Marseille to Sign Puma Kit Deal
Puma is set to replace Adidas as Marseille jersey supplier after many years, mainly due to different views in regards to OM's stores across town, which Adidas would have liked to continue to manage. Puma won't pursue this retail space and this is what has led to Adidas' local rival to win this contract.
Adidas et l'OM, c'est fini.
Puma commence à travailler sur les futurs maillots et devrait bientôt officialiser le partenariat. pic.twitter.com/tFfoLJpLkn— Instant Foot (@lnstantFoot) 9. März 2017Adidas was previously rumored to have tabled an offer of €14 million a year (compared to the current €10 million) and it's likely that Puma's is of a similar magnitude.
Although not officially announced yet, the confirmation is close according to @InstantFoot as Puma has already started work on the Marseille 18-19 kits.
Are you happy to see Olympique Marseille team up with Puma? Would you have prepared to see the club continue with Adidas or sign with Under Armour, which was also interested? Comment below, and check out all leaked 2017-18 jerseys in the Kit Overview.