Barcelona president Joan Laporta claims main kit sponsor Nike have "breached their contract" with the club and are reportedly in talks with Puma.
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Nike sponsored Barca for decadesLaporta says Nike have 'breached' dealSponsor Puma waiting in the wingsNikeWHAT HAPPENED?
Barca and Nike have been in partnership for nearly 26 years but Spanish publication Sport reports that deal could break soon. The sportswear giant and the La Liga behemoths, who have had some public financial issues in recent years, are reportedly at an impasse, primarily due to financial reasons. Now Laporta wants Nike to bring more to the table.
Advertisement(C)GettyImagesWHAT JOAN LAPORTA SAID
In an interview with RAC1 on Friday, he said: "We have some concerns and a situation that is not what we wanted. The operation has been deteriorating, we think they have breached the contract.
"Puma? Don't mention names. We are talking to Nike. In times of difficulty, they have not shown themselves. In words, yes. When we have shown our teeth, they have made the effort but it is not enough.
"It is at this point that we want to find the best solution. There are three options: continue with them, accept what the market gives us, or do it ourselves through BLM [Barca Licensing & Merchandising]."
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Barca's current deal with Nike was signed in 2016 and runs until 2028, providing the club with approximately £132.5 million ($167.5m) per season in revenue. However, in light of their financial situation, Barca reportedly want a better, more lucrative deal and that is where Puma could come in.
WHAT NEXT?
Off the pitch, negotiations between Nike and Barcelona are likely to continue, with Puma waiting in the wings. On the pitch, the Blaugrana host Granada next Sunday in La Liga, hoping to close the gap on league leaders Real Madrid.