Inter Milan To Replace Iconic Pirelli Kit Sponsor With Evergrande

Sep 26, 2019

by Chris

Update: @FrancooC07 has created a mock-up of how the Evergrande Group logo could look like on the Inter 19-20 home shirt. Even in the case of Evergrande taking over the sponsorship slot from Pirelli, it's unlikely we'll see this logo on the Inter jersey. As reported by Chinese media, Evergrande's electric car brand Hengda Hengchi would be the one to feature on the front of the shirt (there's no picture of the logo).

Chinese real estate group Evergrande is set to become the main shirt sponsor of Italian soccer giants Inter Milan’s in 2021, according to a report of Gazzetta dello Sport.

Pirelli’s logo has been on Inter Milan's kits since the 1995-96 season, making it one of the longest shirt sponsorship partnerships in soccer. Inter currently earns them €10.5 million (US$11.6 million) per year until 2021. They signed their latest deal in 2016.

Inter Milan To Get 100 Million Euro From Possible Evergrande Shirt Sponsor Deal - Set To Promote Car Brand Hengda Hengchi

According to Gazzetta, Inter owner Zhang Jindong is seeking greater revenue opportunities for the team as they bid to stay in touch with the rest of the European elite. Exploratory talks have reportedly taken place between the two parties over potential partnerships in the future.

According to Chinese media outlet Titan Sports, Evergrande Group car brand, Hengda Hengchi are set to become Inter’s brand new main sponsor. Inter will pocket an estimated €100 million from the deal with Hengda Hengchi, who produce a range of electric powered cars.

In the past, Evergrande already worked closely with Jindong’s company Suning Holdings Group, which acquired a majority stake in Inter for a reported €270 million (US$299 million) back in June 2016.

Evergrande Group founder and president Xu Jiayin joined Suning and Inter owner Jindong Zhang on his recent visit to Milan in a visit used to hold talks over potential sponsorship and how the Hengda Hengchi brand can enter European and global markets thanks to Inter.

Evergrande is already closely involved in soccer. buying Chinese Super League team Guangzhou Evergrande in 2010.