Leeds United snubbed by Adidas as Arsenal benefit from official update

Leeds United will not feature on the list of "elite clubs" on Adidas' official website, according to the Shields Gazette.

The report [8 October], focusing on Newcastle United, reveals that the Magpies will join the list from the start of next term, joining the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United.

In what is said to be "bad news" for Leeds, the Whites do not make the cut, while Aston Villa are another high-profile absentee from the list.

The "elite" arrangement means a far wider range of merchandise is readily manufactured and sold from the club's official kit supplier.

Leeds United miss out on "elite" Adidas deal

Leeds United's deal with Adidas to supply their kits and sportswear has been in place since 2020, and will continue at least past next season after a recent agreement [Footy Headlines, 1 October].

Controversy has already surfaced in the past few months surrounding the home kit at Elland Road this year, with which Adidas and Red Bull agreed to proceed by including a prominent red colour of their primary sponsor emblazoned on the front.

The yellow away strip has been far more popular and swathes of the colour were seen across the stadium for the sold-out opening weekend of this season when Portsmouth were the visitors.

Adidas' exclusive party is based off predicted sales, which is why Champions League Aston Villa have missed out on the "elite" deal in favour of Newcastle.

Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Juventus are also among those the German sportswear giants are primarily catering for with extended merchandise ranges and bespoke products.

A return to the Premier League and a further extended long-term partnership with Adidas could swing the pendulum, but for now, Leeds miss out.

In other Leeds news, Ally McCoist is in hysterics over Illan Meslier.

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