Manchester City, the English Premier League club, has signed a ten-year kit deal with Umbro expected to be worth more than US$40 million.

Though the value of the deal, described by the club as 'a unique ten-year brand partnership', will depend on City's performances over that time - it will become more lucrative if the club breaks into the Champions League, as many expect - it is certain to be worth a minimum of US$4 million a year to the club, especially as it sees City end a US$15 million four-year deal with Le Coq Sportif two years early. In addition, like all kit manufacture deals, much of the value will come through split revenue from sales, certain to increase as City become ever more high-profile.

The deal tips the hat to City's history, and that of Manchester. Though Umbro is now owned by global giant Nike, the company was originally founded close to Manchester, in the town of Wilmslow, and is still based in the area. The first kit the company ever produced was for Manchester City, in 1934, and saw the club win the FA Cup. As part of the partnership, Umbro will invest US$150,000 per year in the cultural heritage of Manchester.

"This is an exciting opportunity for both Umbro and Manchester City FC to build on their collective heritage and create truly iconic modern football brands," said Martin Prothero, Umbro's senior vice president of football. "MCFC were the first beneficiaries of our tailoring heritage in 1934, the same year they won the FA Cup wearing Umbro kits. MCFC will be the first club side to benefit from our tailoring process for the 2009/10 season which means the best sportswear products for players and fans alike."

Garry Cook, chief executive officer at Manchester City, added: "We are thrilled to announce this key partnership. We are building a successful and sustainable football club for the future and our partners are integral to that. Umbro share our commitment to innovation, the city of Manchester and creating world-class experiences for its customers and  our fans."