Adidas return nears as Liverpool’s new kit emerges early
Liverpool’s long-awaited return to Adidas is just weeks away from becoming official, but the club’s 2025/26 home kit has already surfaced – albeit ahead of schedule.
The Premier League side’s contract with Adidas begins on August 1, ending a five-year spell with Nike. But despite the formal rollout still pending, images of the new shirt have appeared on sale overseas. According to Liverpool Shirts Museum, supported by trusted outlet Footy Headlines, the new design was spotted on retail racks in Taiwan.
While not yet officially unveiled by the club, the sighting offers the clearest glimpse yet of what supporters can expect from the next chapter in the club’s kit history.
Fresh design nods to past era
Set to launch on August 1, Liverpool’s Adidas home shirt draws inspiration from the 2006/07 strip. It features a refined look in Strawberry Red, with white detailing and branding. Traditional Adidas three-stripe shoulder taping returns, accompanied by a red-and-white colour scheme on the collar and sleeve cuffs.
An embroidered club crest and Adidas logo are placed prominently on the chest, with Standard Chartered’s sponsor logo matching in white. The result is a clean, traditional aesthetic that pays homage to classic Liverpool kits of the past.
The throwback nod to the mid-2000s era may not go unnoticed among older fans, though some comparisons have been drawn to recent Manchester United designs – particularly in colour tones and layout. That said, the inclusion of cuffed sleeves and minimalist trim presents a modern update to a well-worn template.
Adidas deal finalised as Nike chapter closes
Liverpool confirmed their reunion with Adidas earlier this year after a decade-long hiatus. Their previous partnership with the German brand spanned from 1985 to 1996 and again from 2006 to 2012.
The return comes as the club concludes its five-year agreement with Nike, which was delayed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the transition from New Balance. As a result, Nike’s final season in charge includes the 2024/25 kit range, which Liverpool will continue to wear during their summer friendlies against Preston, AC Milan and Yokohama.
The Anfield pre-season double-header against Athletic Club on August 4 will mark the debut of the new Adidas kit in match action.
Retail price and availability
While Liverpool have yet to confirm pricing, estimates based on Adidas’ current Premier League offerings suggest fans could pay £85 for the stadium version and £120 for the authentic match-day shirt.
The early retail leak in Taiwan raises questions about global rollout consistency, though it’s unlikely to derail the planned August 1 launch. Adidas and Liverpool are expected to make a formal announcement as the date nears, with fans around the world poised for the official reveal.
