Newcastle have signed a new player for £30 million.

Craig Buglass designed Arsenal’s “Invincibles” kit and the dazzling yellow Nike shirt that Brazil were wearing when they lifted the 2002 World Cup.

But the highlight of his career? Working as an adviser with Adidas on the designs that will relaunch Newcastle United’s partnership with the sportswear giant.

Buglass, a diehard Newcastle fan who has 30 years of experience working with some of the biggest kit brands, was called in to advise Adidas on designs ahead of a 7 June launch that is eagerly anticipated – both on Tyneside and at the brand’s HQ in London.

“I think the fans will be really impressed. It’s out of this world what they’ve done with the kits, it’s absolutely class. I can’t say too much because I’m bound by NDAs but the fans will absolutely love it.

“If you look at how Everton have put things on their shirts and they’re all different, that’s the approach we’ve managed to get them to do as well. I think it’s going to be an absolutely superb relationship. In my opinion Newcastle United bleeds Adidas, it’s always been an Adidas city.”

Given the rise of the replica kit market in the last 30 years – a recent Uefa report pegged Liverpool as making £110m a year from combined kit sales and sponsorship deals – this stuff really, really matters.

They’ve incorporated the club’s history into these shirts, they’ve been really, really clever in what they’ve done,” Buglass adds.

“There was just some advice I have given them – make sure you give the fans what they want. And they’ve given them that.

“I’ve even seen the follow up season as well, which goes to another level. The 2025-26 shirts are absolutely incredible.”

Success will ultimately be measured in pounds and pence – especially with concerns around profitability and sustainability regulations (PSR) weighing heavily on the club – but sources have told i to be prepared for something “iconic” to usher in Adidas’ Newcastle comeback.

As one of the few who have seen all three kit designs Buglass is suitably excited.