Leeds United are on the cusp of promotion to the Premier League, sparking rumours of lucrative kit sponsorship deals to help usher in a new era at Elland Road.
There has been speculation over the prospect of Marcelo Bielsa’s men taking to the field next season in strips adorned with the branding of aviation giants Qatar Airways.
The deal to become Leeds’ primary sponsor is allegedly worth a possible £28m a year, however, they are currently in the middle of a two-year agreement with gambling firm 32Red.
However, it has also been reported that Leeds have the option of paying penalty fees to compensate 32Red for ending the deal prematurely before agreeing a contract with Qatar Airways.
But how would such a deal compare to other kit sponsorships in the Premier League?
If confirmed, the Qatar Airways deal would see Leeds leapfrog 13 Premier League clubs and their respective shirt sponsorship agreements.
Only Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham would earn more from their primary shirt sponsor.
There is enormous disparity between the “big six” and the rest of the Premier League where sponsorship is concerned, according to a Statista report.
Spurs’ earnings of £35m per annum from AIA rank them sixth in the money league, yet seventh-highest West Ham earn less than a third of that - £10m from Betway.
A deal with Qatar Airways for about the reported figure would give Leeds considerable spending power over their likely rivals outside the top six.
The added revenue could prove vital in securing survival if Leeds were to be promoted and reinforce their squad smartly.
The deal would be worth more than seven times that of Sheffield United’s sponsorship with USG, which is worth just £3.5m a year, one of the lowest sums in the top flight.
Leeds’ contract with kit manufacturer Kappa expires at the end of the season, with the club having already struck a fresh deal with adidas.
A new shirt sponsor would go well with a new style, however even if the lucrative Qatari deal does not materialise, the Daily Mail report Leeds’ arrangement with adidas would still see their earnings increase if they were to be promoted.
