Paul Pogba
Sportswear giants adidas reportedly played a crucial part in keeping Paul Pogba at Manchester United during the summer transfer window amid strong interest from Real Madrid.
Pogba was heavily linked with a departure from United and Real were eager to sign the France international.
However, as reported by The Star On Sunday, adidas intervened as they believed it would be better for them from a commercial perspective if Pogba was to remain at United.
As a consequence, adidas acted as peacemakers between Pogba, his agent Mino Raiola, and United, as they made it clear that they wanted him to stay at Old Trafford.
Pogba is in the third year of a decade-long personal endorsement deal with adidas, while the German company are also United’s kit manufacturers.
Although adidas also sponsor Real Madrid, the likes of Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema are also sponsored by the brand at the Spanish club.
In contrast, at United, Pogba is seen as the key star as far as adidas is concerned.
Pogba has just under two years remaining on his current contract at United.