Not very long ago, it appeared that the long-standing partnership between FC Barcelona and Nike was set to come to a bitter end.
In fact, club president Joan Laporta confirmed that steps were being taken to terminate the agreement with the American sporting goods giants as the Catalans were unhappy with the terms of the agreement.
Instead, the idea of partnering up with Puma was explored while Barcelona also considered manufacturing their own kits.
However, things took a drastic turn after a meeting last month, with Barça and Nike deciding to continue their partnership with a new, more lucrative contract for the club.
Barcelona hope to close the deal this month
Now, Mundo Deportivo has come forward with an update on the negotiations between Barcelona and Nike.
Sources at the club confirmed to the aforementioned outlet that they hope to close the deal with Nike this month.
At a meeting in Barcelona on 15 April between senior executives from the American company and their Barça counterparts, the foundations of the new agreement were laid. Now, little by little the details of the new contract are being worked out.
In addition to Laporta, who has not been at all the meetings, the people in charge of negotiating with Nike have been the first vice-president, Rafa Yuste, and the vice-president of marketing, Juli Guiu, together with a team working in the commercial area.
The financial details
Laporta’s aim from day one has been to obtain the best contract on the sports sponsorship market and Barcelona are well on the way to achieving it.
The new deal between Barcelona and Nike would be extended for a further ten years from 1 July and would include a financial bonus this season that could solve the club’s ‘Fair Play’ issues.
Indeed, it has been reported that the annual fixed amount would increase to €120 million per season, while Barça would also receive a signing bonus of €100 million.
In addition, there will be benefits in online commerce and the manufacture of Barça’s own lines.
With other variables included, it has been suggested that the deal could rise to €190 million annually.
