Mesut Özil's deliberation between Nike and adidas is swinging firmly in the direction of the three stripes. After flirting with the adidas Predator LZ in recent competitive matches, the Real Madrid midfielder is using the international break to test drive the f50 adizero miCoach.
As announced this week Özil's official ties with the American brand have come to an end after his advertising contract expired on July 31. Nike offered the German international a mega contract extension worth €20m which would have seen him wear Nike products until 2016. Özil refused the deal and is now using the time to test other football boots.
 |
 |
In a recent statement, the 23-year-old commented; “I appreciate the cooperation with Nike in recent years, but I now want to take my time and use the unsigned time to test different shoes.” Losing such a high calibre player will be a big blow to Nike, and one that adidas will look to take advantage of by taking the Real Madrid man under contract.
The situation presents a rare opportunity for adidas to land one of Nike's former star names. Player's of Özil's stature are rarely on the market. Özil – who began his professional career wearing adidas - would be a perfect partner for the German brand. Real Madrid and the German FA are official partners and both sponsored by adidas.
For the past two years, Özil has been one of Nike's most high profile and frequently promoted athletes. The tricky German now looks to be heading into adidas' books alongside Real Madrid team-mates Angel di Maria, Kaka, Karim Benzema, Fábio Coentrão, Xabi Alonso and Iker Casillas.
What do you think of Özil's boot switch? Do you think the Predator LZ or f50 adiZero would be more suited to Özil's game? Let us know! Join the conversation online, on Twitter and on Facebook.