Why drop £90 on the latest kit when there’s a 2001 Fiorentina shirt hiding in Oxfam for a fiver? Modern football gear isn’t getting any cheaper, so here’s your guide to scoring the best bargains without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re looking for a holy grail retro football top, a new team scarf, a pair of boots or a classic training jacket to rock at 5 a-side in the winter, you don’t need to spend a fortune, you just need to know where to look.
Kick off your shirt quest here, these are the best spots to look:
1- Charity/thrift Shops – an unpredictable but rewarding gold mine
From first-hand experience, it can certainly be frustrating to scour through your local high street’s charity shops for a seemingly endless amount of time with little reward. Rummaging through old tat, grandma dresses, and worn-out workwear can test your patience, but that’s all part of the thrill, and there is often light at the end of the tunnel.
Top tips:
- Be patient and dig deep- This is definitely the most important tip, it can feel tiring but there are definitely hidden gems that can hide in the rails of randomness. You never know, next to that hole-ridden cardigan might be an Off-White AC Milan shirt waiting to be rescued. Like a long cup run, patience is key.
- Visit often– The stock in these stores changes daily, much like a 6 yard tap-in, it is often a case of right place, right time with these things. What’s a barren wasteland one week might be a treasure trove the next. If you have five minutes to kill on your way to work, why not pop into a charity shop, there’s no harm in it.
- Check labels and tags- Shirts often have tags and labels that can confirm their authenticity. A Nike shirt, for example, have a unique style code; a 6- or 9-digit number on the tag that confirms authenticity. You can check this code on Nike’s website to verify the shirt’s model and details. it pays to know these details!
2- Vinted/Depop/eBay – Shirt bargains at your fingertips
If digging through rails isn’t your thing, Vinted, eBay and Depop offer an online alternative from the comfort of your home. These online marketplaces let football fans sell and buy kits, boots and clothing from every era and club imaginable from 2000s Serie A classics to obscure pre-season training tops.
Top Tips:
- Check photos carefully – Zoom in on tags, logos, and conditions. Blurry pics and vague descriptions can be red flags.
- Offer your price – Much like Arsene Wenger when bidding for Luis Suarez, don’t be afraid to lowball and negotiate. Many sellers are open to offers, especially on older listings.
- Check user reviews: Do your scouting; Always look at a seller’s ratings and buyer feedback to make sure they’re legit and reliable.
3- Car boot sales – Sunday morning steals and hidden gems
There’s something about a car boot; the early morning buzz, the scent of bacon rolls in the air, and the thrill of rummaging through chaos. They’re certainly not the most glamorous spots; muddy fields or school playgrounds and it’s almost impossible to predict what you’ll find. There’s no real logic to it, it can be chaotic, often cold and rarely organised. But between every broken toaster and garden gnome, there could be a pair of T90 Lasers.
Top Tips:
- Get there early- It can be tough, and you might wonder why you’re up before most people on a Sunday. But think of it like getting to the turnstiles before kick-off, if you’re late, you miss the best stuff. Get there early and sweep up the goods, leave the late-comers to fight over the tat.
- Bring cash- Cash is king and in this transfer market, it’s the currency that gets deals done fast. Bring coins in case the seller doesn’t have much change.
- Bundle up – If you spot a few pieces, make an offer for the lot it often works out cheaper and it’s much better to have a deep squad than a lone striker.
4- Sport retailers’ outlet/factory stores- Brand bargains hiding in plain sight
Think of outlet stores as the transfer market’s answer to signing a seasoned veteran on a free: maybe not this season’s star, but still got plenty to offer and for a bargain fee. Big brands like Nike, Adidas and Puma often offload last season’s gear at heavily reduced prices and you can usually find them at their factory stores.
Top Tips:
- Look beyond the badge – It might not be your team, but a classy piece is a classy piece. That Portugal away shirt from two years ago for £35? Still a piece worthy of picking up, especially considering it’s never been worn and still has the tags.
- Shop off-season– You can finally find the best deals at the end of the season as brands desperately scramble to sell the season’s stock that hasn’t sold. This is your relegation bargain raid moment, you can act like a shrewd sporting director.
- Sign in for extra perks, loyalty pays off- Agree your personal terms before completing the deal; some outlet stores offer extra discounts if you join their mailing lists or apps.
Happy hunting, we hope this guide helps you snag some gems… but don’t be greedy, leave a few good deals for the rest of us.