A new Premier League is about to get underway, and that means that 20 new kit launches have been hitting the sports shops and online sites over the last few weeks. Teams will be keen to cash in on the sales of replica shirts given that ticket revenue is going to be non-existent for the foreseeable future. Indeed, there has been a furore over the price of some shirts – well over $150 in some cases.
It seems the Thank You NHS Logos will be removed at the start of the season, although it has set a precedent for campaign sponsorship. Gaming companies, promoting sites where you can bet and win real money tend to be the most frequent shirt sponsors. But, by and large, the biggest Premier League clubs – Manchester United (Chevrolet), Liverpool (Standard Chartered), Arsenal (Emirates) – have struck long-term deals with blue-chip companies.
Of course, many fans will question the need over buying a shirt at all; especially when some of the home kits are close to being identical to the ones from the previous season. That said, fans will be snapping them up regardless. Overall, though, there are some nice designs; and here’s the five we think are the best:
Arsenal – Home
The Gunners rarely deviate from the iconic red shirt and white sleeve home kit, but there is a little bit more going on in this time around with the zig-zag pattern. Indeed, the shirt is somewhat darker red than usual. The Emirates logo is now bigger than ever, featuring two lines. But sponsorship has become such a part of English soccer kits that the fans will probably not notice. The classic round collar is a big plus here, and we can see fans embracing this as leisurewear.
Chelsea – Away
Chelsea’s home kit launch got a bit of ribbing in the sports press, after Nike and the club pushed the idea it had brought “a touch of Saville Row to Stamford Bridge”. To be fair, the home kit is really top drawer – arguably the best new home jersey in the Premier League – but we think the away kit is even better. Some might argue that it looks a bit too much like Man City’s colours, but that’s not going to bother most fans.
West Ham – Home
Fans of retro kits will love the new West Ham shirt as it is a throwback to the jerseys worn by icons like Bobby Moore. It’s fitting, too, as the club is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2020, and it will hope to cash-in on those celebrations by flogging this classically-designed shirt to fans.
Liverpool – Home
This kit is a big departure from Liverpool’s traditional home colours, which normally is predominantly red. While the white stripe might irk some fans, more still might be bothered by the addition of teal trim around the collar. We, however, think it looks great, and it definitely makes a refreshing change for a club whose kits have been very, very similar over the last decade.
Manchester United – Away
Manchester United’s new away kit is probably going to divide opinion. Indeed, if you look at it from a certain angle, it can seem like the material is made from a shag carpet. However, it grows on you after a while, with the charcoal colour contrasting nicely with the white accents. Fans will hope to see a raft new players porting the new-looking when the season gets underway next week.
