As Manchester United fans grow increasingly restless at the lack of transfer activity of late, Twitter has its own suspicions.
Social media is abuzz with the theory that new signings are being delayed not by complex negotiations or strategic bargaining, but instead by a multi-million pound kit deal.
United have a month of their Nike deal to run. From August 1, a new 10-year agreement with Adidas kicks in. It’s worth £750m, and the Germans want bang for their buck.
Any deal prior to the end of July will require new signings to be parading in public draped and surrounded by the Nike swoosh, as was the case when Memphis Depay was signed.
Twitterers have speculated as to whether transfers are embargoed until the beginning of next month when shiny new recruits will be emblazoned with Adidas branding.
Apparently Adidas doesn't want United to announce players till 1st Aug Because they don't want new signings to be holding the Nike jerseys.
— NH (@Thatboymemphis) July 2, 2015
https://twitter.com/parrymore07/status/616539107142057984
It would mean that new signings would start their Old Trafford careers without a full pre-season behind them, and they’d miss a large chunk of the club’s US tour.
It would also mean that any deals that weren’t officially signed, sealed and delivered could be gazumped by stealth rivals.
Is it merely a fanciful conspiracy theory, or has Twitter blown this sh*t wide open? The truth is out there…
