Liverpool and Nike kit deal could be blocked by New Balance legal challenge

Current supplier matches offer made by sportswear giant

Liverpool’s prospective kit deal with Nike could be blocked by their current suppliers New Balance, who have opened legal proceedings against the club.

The European champions are understood to be close to agreeing a deal with Nike which could represent a record for an English football club.

The partnership is likely to rival the Premier League’s most lucrative kit deal, which is Manchester United’s £75m-a-year, decade-long contract with Adidas.

However, the prospective deal could be blocked by New Balance, who claim to have matched Nike’s offer, potentially triggering a ‘matching clause’ in their existing contract.

In a statement to The Athletic, New Balance said: “In line with our current contract, we have matched the offer made by Nike.

“As part of the contract renewal process, LFC has called into question elements of the agreement and as such we are asking the courts for clarity on this case.

“Both we and the club are keen to resolve any contractual challenges as quickly as possible and have agreed to an expedited process in the courts.”

A Liverpool spokesperson confirmed in a statement that New Balance have opened legal proceedings against the club.

After winning the Champions League last season and mounting a credible Premier League title challenge, Liverpool are arguably in their strongest commercial position ever.

Jürgen Klopp’s side have started the new season well, winning all six of their opening league games to establish a five-point lead at the top of the table.