Adidas chief hails Santos return from 2028, plays down Neymar switch | OneFootball

Adidas chief Bjørn Gulden has hailed the company’s agreement to return as Santos’ kit supplier from 2028, calling the tie-up an honour. He also batted away Neymar questions, keeping any switch from Puma at arm’s length.

“We have a lot of history with Santos, it is a symbol again. It is an honour to work with them, I am very proud and happy to start this relationship,” he told TNT Sports.

“Maybe, I do not know,” he said. “I signed Neymar for Puma many years ago and had a great relationship with him, but I have no idea where he will play or for how long. We will see.”

Adidas will only take over in 2028 because Santos remain tied to Umbro until December 2027. Umbro held a right to match the German firm’s proposal, but did not exercise it.

The agreement covers kits and apparel, with royalties payable to Santos.

A key pillar is wider distribution, with the chance to sell in more than 100 Adidas stores across several countries. The company also plans to treat Santos as a priority brand and to tap the club’s global reach.

The aim is to make official products easier to buy for fans outside Brazil. The period before 2028 will be used to develop kits and other lines, with collections prepared in advance.

The deal marks Adidas’ return to the club after two spells in the 1980s, first in 1980-1981 then from 1984 to 1988.

Source: Diario Do Peixe

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