There’s yet another fresh layer of intrigue building around Anfield this season. With an 11-point lead at the top of the Premier League, Arne Slot’s side has a clear path toward a record-tying 20th English title. If they cross the finish line in first place, there’s more than just silverware at stake.
Nike, the club’s current kit supplier, will pay Liverpool a $2.5 million bonus if they win the Premier League this year. There’s also an added incentive of $2.5 million for reaching the Champions League final and $5 million for lifting the trophy in Munich.
The extra funds seem paltry, but they’re still a welcome boost. Players, though, insist they’re not distracted by financial incentives.
Moments after a 2-0 win at Manchester City, Virgil van Dijk offered a grounded view. “It was only a couple of days ago there was some noise about how things could go the other way,” he said. “It’s down to us to keep focusing on the game ahead of us. It’s all about recovery and being ready for Newcastle, which will be a big test for us again. We need tunnel vision, nothing else matters really.”
That tunnel vision has worked so far. Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai were the goalscorers in the victory over City, and the team now needs nine more wins to guarantee the title. Van Dijk is urging fans to make Anfield a fortress. “How many home games are left? Seven out of 11. So let’s make sure those seven are going to be amazing, as loud as possible. Let’s make Anfield horrible for the opponent,” he said.
A timely shift in partnerships
Beyond the title chase, Liverpool’s relationship with Nike is winding down as the final year of their five-year deal ticks away.
Although the contract guarantees around $37 million per season plus a share of merchandise revenue, Liverpool has already agreed to switch to Adidas for next year. That new arrangement will bring in at least $75 million annually, placing the club among the highest earners in the Premier League’s kit sponsorship rankings.
Some fans will remember earlier eras with Adidas, as Liverpool has partnered with the German sportswear giant in the past. This time, the contract’s value could climb based on performance clauses and global sales. Winning trophies would only sweeten those figures, and the current campaign has indicated that big successes may lie ahead.
Still, nobody on the pitch can afford to gaze too far beyond the next 90 minutes. For now, the mission is simple: capitalize on the momentum gained from that 2-0 statement win at the Etihad, hold off the chasing pack, and keep eyes firmly on the prize. As van Dijk stressed, focus remains key, no matter what temptation a bonus may bring.
Winning the Premier League would be historic enough on its own. Adding a check from Nike is certainly a plus, but ask anyone in the dressing room, and they’ll likely say that glory, not cash, is the real motivator. Everything else is just a perk that comes with lifting the trophy.
