Update: Adidas are in talks with Newcastle United to return as kit supplier, according to @NUFC_HQ/@mcgrathmike. Adidas representatives watched the EFL Cup quarter-final win over Leicester City in the week.
Original: In late 2022, it was revealed that Newcastle United would review all commercial deals, including the main sponsor and kit maker.
December 2022: Newcastle Could Cancel Castore Deal to Sign With Adidas
Newcastle United have seen massive changes in the past 12 months. From signing a deal with a Saudi-owned investment fund to rising success in the Premier League, the club are taking big steps forward.
Newcastle Review All Commercial Deals
United are looking to find a new shirt sponsor for 2023-24, replacing Fun88, who they signed with in 2017. That deal would end two years early, were the club to make this decision.
Newcastle could end the 2024 Castore deal early
Furthermore, Castore, who have a deal until 2024, may also get replaced earlier than expected, according to journalist Jordan Cronin.
One reason for this is that there have been concerns that Castore are not fulfulling the demands of so many fans wanting to buy shirts.
Newcastle to Change Shirt Sponsor - New Kit Manufacturer & Stadium Name Too?
On the other hand, having a more established and prestigious brand supplying Newcastle's kits would mean more exposure as a top club. This is of course something the club are trying to achieve in the short-term, similar to Manchester City's meteoric rise.
It should not be underestimated how large a fanbase Newcastle United brings along. Considering that the club's overall performance is on the rise, attention and therefore merchandise sales will see the same upwards trend.
If Newcastle were to play for Premier League titles and participate in the Champions League in the near feature, current sponsorship deals certainly do not match those standards.
Former kit supplier Adidas (1995-2010) are rumored to potentially return, replacing Castore for the 2023-24 season. Some iconic Newcastle kits emerged during the previous era, so fans would definitely be on board.
What is certain however is that Newcastle would have to make use of a buy-out clause or something similar in order to leave Castore early.
What do you think Newcastle should do? Which brand suits them best as a kit maker? Comment below.