First Confirmed: Three More Premier League Players to Leave Nike
- Nike's Shift: Nike is decreasing its investment in men's football, opting to focus on a few high-profile stars, like Haaland and Vinicius Jr.
- Player Departures: Several Premier League players, including Diogo Dalot, Ibrahima Konaté, and Nicolo Zaniolo, have switched from Nike to Puma and Adidas, respectively.
- Financial Reasons: Nike's move away from some players appears to be driven by cost-cutting measures.
Update: Just one day after our report, Manchester United's Diogo Dalot officially joined Puma. It remains to be seen if Adidas will announce the possible deals with Zaniolo and Konaté as quickly - it seems unlikely.
Nike's steady move out from Men's football continues in 2024, with several more high-profile Premier League players set to leave Nike.
Nike focuses on a few superstars
Casemiro also just parted from Nike to join Adidas.
Dalot (Puma), Konaté & Zaniolo (likely Adidas) to Leave Nike
Manchester United's Diogo Dalot, Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté, and Aston Villa's XXX Zaniolo all have been spotted with new brands, after Nike had sponsored them.
Diogo Dalot - Nike ▶ Puma
Diogo Dalot has switched from the Nike Mercurial Vapor soccer cleats to the Puma Ultra soccer cleats. Both silos are made for speed. Dalot already debuted his Pumas in Manchester United's last match, meaning that an announcement could be imminent.
Ibrahima Konaté - Nike ▶ Adidas
Ibrahima Konaté from Liverpool has trained in the Adidas Predator Fold-Over Tongue football boots instead of his regular choice, the Nike Phantom GX. Konaté yet has to wear the Adidas Predator in an official match.
Nicolò Zaniolo - Nike ▶ Adidas
Nicolò Zaniolo wore Adidas Predator 24 Elite FT football boots, instead of his usual Nike Mercurial Vapor 15.
By not extending contracts with semi-top players, Nike tries to save money. Nike appears to be focusing on a few superstars like Haaland and Vinivius Jr., who both singed new contracts with Nike just some months ago.
What do you think of Nike getting away from Men's football? Let us know in the comments below.
