Full Breakdown
Liverpool Unveils Retro-Inspired 2026-27 Home Kit Amid Salah Backlash
5/20/2026, 11:58:07 PM
Design Launch and Heritage
Adidas released Liverpool’s 2026-27 home shirt ahead of the season’s final league match, under the “GREATNESS IS TIMELESS” campaign. The deep-red jersey reproduces the white geometric triangles and bars of the 1989-91 kit that helped Kenny Dalglish’s side win the 1989-90 league title. Oversized white Adidas stripes run down the shoulders, while the trim stays minimal. A matching goalkeeper jersey adopts the same retro pattern, rendered on a bespoke green base, a departure from the standard templates used by other Adidas elite clubs. The home kit’s price is R2499 for the authentic version and R1599 for the supporter edition. The campaign also digitally reimagined legends Ian Rush, John Barnes, Alan Hansen and Bruce Grobbelaar alongside current players, reinforcing the link between past and present.
Official Statements & Club Response
Liverpool announced that the new home kit “pays homage to one of the club’s most-iconic eras, reinterpreting heritage for the modern game.” The launch material highlighted Standard Chartered as the primary sponsor, replacing the historic Candy branding. The club’s online shop continues to list the 2026-27 jersey with Mohamed Salah’s name and number, indicating he could still wear the shirt before his contract is waived.
Criticism & Opposition
Supporters were surprised that Salah was absent from the kit’s promotional imagery, prompting calls for his exclusion from the final match against Brentford. Social-media users asked to see the forward in the new shirt before his departure, while former England captain Wayne Rooney urged manager Arne Slot to keep Salah out, recalling a similar decision by Alex Ferguson. The backlash reflects broader fan frustration with the timing of Salah’s exit.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If I was Arne Slot, I'd have him nowhere near the stadium in the last game. I had it with Alex Ferguson,” — Wayne Rooney, former player
- “He's almost just dropped the grenade and said he doesn't trust and believe in Arne Slot and almost thrown his teammates who are going to be there next season and let them have to deal with that as well and put them into a position.” — Fan (quoted on social media)
- “It feels so unreal that Mo won’t be in these jersey next season,” — Liverpool fan, social media
- “Can I see Salah in it before he goes,” — Liverpool fan, social media
What’s Next
Liverpool will wear the new kit in their final league fixture against Brentford, a match that could mark Salah’s last appearance in a Liverpool shirt. The next kit release is planned for the 2027-28 season, with Adidas expected to maintain the heritage-focused design approach.
