English soccer star Jack Grealish is reportedly close to signing a deal with Italian fashion house Gucci worth seven figures, naming him an official brand ambassador.
Since Gucci typically favors contracts with actors or musicians, the deal is considered unprecedented for a sports star.
Grealish has endorsement deals with Nike and Electronic Arts (EA). His current Nike contract is slated to expire after the 2021/22 season, and Marca reports that other companies including Adidas, Puma, and Under Armour are interested in signing him. Nike, on the other hand, is said to be willing to offer Grealish better terms.
When Manchester City paid Grealish's boyhood club Aston Villa US$131 million for the midfielder last summer, they set a new record transfer fee for a British player.