Man City agrees to Premier League record £1 billion kit contract

Manchester City have renewed their kit agreement with Puma for at least another ten years, with the arrangement estimated to be worth at least £1 billion, making it the Premier League’s richest deal.

City initially signed a £65 million-a-year contract with the German kit manufacturer in 2019, but the sides have agreed to extend the deal until at least 2035, earning a club record £100 million per year.

This price tops the £90 million deal agreed by rivals Manchester United with Adidas in 2023, while champions Liverpool will also be with the same manufacturer from this season after agreeing to a reported

£60 million per season.

City has had an exceptional run of success since 2019, winning four Premier League titles and the Treble two years ago, but completed last season without a major prize.

According to City, the two parties have set club records for global sales.

City reported a Premier League record revenue of £715 million in their reports for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, while commercial revenue grew from £341.4 million to £344.7 million.

City Football Group (CFG) CEO Ferran Soriano stated, “We joined together with Puma with the desire to challenge ourselves and exceed expectations. We’ve accomplished all of this and more over the last six seasons.

“Puma have seamlessly integrated into our organisation, and we have enjoyed many historic moments together, engaging fans globally.”

Puma CEO Arthur Hoeld added: “Puma’s partnership with Manchester City has been a huge success, both on and off the pitch.

“Trophies, a perfect stage for our performance products and commercial success were exceptional.”

Manchester City Quietly Monitor Bryan Mbeumo as Transfer Rumours Intensify

Manchester City are reportedly keeping a close eye on Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo as the Premier League champions explore attacking reinforcements this summer. While the headlines have largely been dominated by other suitors, sources indicate that City’s interest in the dynamic forward has been quietly growing behind the scenes.

Mbeumo enjoyed a standout campaign with Brentford, delivering consistent performances despite the absence of star striker Ivan Toney for a large part of the season. His ability to operate across the front line, combined with his sharp decision-making and physicality, has caught the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs.

Although Manchester United have been more vocal in their pursuit, Manchester City are believed to be assessing whether Mbeumo could offer a unique edge to Pep Guardiola’s squad. The departure of Riyad Mahrez last season left a notable gap in the right-sided attacking role, and while Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva have filled in, there is a growing feeling within the club that more depth is needed.

City’s recruitment team has always preferred to move discreetly. Their history of sudden, surgical signings—often completed without warning—means that any serious interest in Mbeumo may not be officially revealed until advanced stages. For now, their strategy appears to involve quiet observation and internal discussions.

The key to City’s potential move lies in their long-term squad planning. With Kevin De Bruyne aging and Bernardo Silva continuously linked with a move away, the club is looking for players who can both contribute immediately and grow within the system. Mbeumo’s versatility, energy, and technical quality fit that vision.

At Brentford, Mbeumo has flourished under Thomas Frank’s system, evolving from a raw winger into a mature attacking leader. His work ethic, resilience, and eye for goal have made him indispensable. However, the lure of a top-six move may soon become too tempting to ignore.

While City have not tabled any bids, they are thought to be in frequent contact with representatives close to Mbeumo’s camp. The player himself remains focused on pre-season preparations with Brentford, but is said to be open to a step up if the right opportunity presents itself.

Brentford, for their part, are not keen on losing another star without a fight. After standing firm over Ivan Toney’s future, the club is determined to keep Mbeumo unless a significant offer comes in. Their valuation of the player has steadily increased due to his growing importance and consistent performances.

The timing of City’s interest is also crucial. As other clubs circle, including Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, a bidding war could potentially erupt. City’s financial power gives them an advantage, but they are unlikely to be drawn into a prolonged battle unless Guardiola himself demands the player.

Sources within the Etihad suggest that Mbeumo is viewed as more than just a backup option. His profile offers a unique mix of traits not currently abundant in the City squad: direct dribbling, physical presence, and the ability to track back and defend from the front.

From Mbeumo’s perspective, joining Manchester City would represent the peak of club football. Playing under Pep Guardiola, competing for every trophy, and training alongside world-class talents would provide an environment for further development.

However, competition for places remains intense. Players like Jack Grealish, Julian Alvarez, and Jeremy Doku all fight for minutes in City’s fluid front line. Mbeumo would need to earn his place, but his mentality and work rate suggest he could rise to the occasion.

Fans have reacted with excitement and curiosity to the rumours. While some are sceptical about whether Mbeumo fits the typical City mold, others point to Guardiola’s ability to unlock the potential of players with specific strengths.

If the move were to happen, it could mirror previous signings that raised eyebrows at the time but proved to be masterstrokes. City’s track record in identifying adaptable players and turning them into world-beaters adds weight to the speculation.

With the transfer window still open, much depends on how Brentford handle incoming interest and whether Mbeumo pushes for a move. For now, he remains a Brentford player—but the possibility of a dramatic shift in the coming weeks cannot be ruled out.

Mbeumo’s story is a testament to patience, development, and self-belief. From Ligue 2 in France to Premier League stardom, he has earned every step. A move to Manchester City would be the next chapter in a remarkable journey.

Guardiola’s future plans remain fluid, but he has always valued intelligent, versatile attackers who can adapt to multiple roles. Mbeumo fits that criteria and would bring a new dimension to City’s already devastating attack.

As pre-season continues and clubs finalize their squads, Mbeumo’s future will become clearer. For now, City continue to monitor quietly, ready to act if the right moment arrives.

Should they make their move, it would not be out of character. It would be typical Manchester City: silent, strategic, and potentially game-changing.