Concept kits and kit leaks have now become an essential process of kit design, not just to generate hype but also for actual designers to pick up on little elements from fan designs that appeal to the public.
These designs push the boundaries of creativity and often surpass, the official releases in terms of design language.
Clubs sometimes incorporate these fan-driven or leaked ideas into their final kits, which leads to some truly iconic designs. One such potential gem that has set the internet buzzing is Liverpool’s rumored new purple kit for the upcoming season.
The kits for the 25/26 for Liverpool are set to be sponsored by Adidas, and this design features the German brand too. The kit is a stunning blend of light and dark purple shades. The textured, almost torn-like base design evokes memories of Liverpool’s third kit from last season.
But what sets this concept apart is its bold incorporation of the Liverbird— the mythical symbol synonymous with Liverpool.
The Liverbird is a mythical creature that serves as the symbol of the English city of Liverpool. Typically represented as a cormorant, the bird appears on the city’s arms. While the Liverbird is now inseparably linked with Liverpool FC, it was actually first used as a symbol by Everton. However, in the 1930s, Everton replaced it with the Everton Lock-Up, another Liverpudlian icon.
In 2012, Liverpool FC introduced “Mighty Red,” a club mascot based on the Liverbird emblem.
Coming back to the kit design, the purple number leverages this iconic symbol to stunning effect. While the leaked image does not show the entire kit, the Liverbird can be seen prominently displayed across the front.
Roaring across the textured base in the same shades of purple as the rest of the shirt, the intricately designed Liverbird creates a majestic and striking look.
Adding to the kit’s appeal are the clean, white details: the sponsor logo, the Adidas badge, and the club crest all stand out in crisp contrast against the purple backdrop.
The neckline features a white trim, and while the sleeves are not fully visible in the leak, it’s fair to assume they include matching white accents, completing the design.
The leak, shared on Twitter by @LFC_Lucas, has left fans speculating as to which kit will incorporate this sort of design language. The account speculates that this design could be a third kit or an alternative goalkeeper kit, and also mentions that leaks do often materialize into the actual designs.
Regardless of its intended purpose, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans have unanimously praised the design, with many hoping it will become an official release.
Additional leaks suggest that Liverpool’s home kit under Adidas will feature the club’s classic red and white colors, maintaining tradition while the purple kit opens avenues into bolder, more “out-there” designs. The away kit leaks look to be a green number, featuring the Adidas originals logo and the classic Liverpool badge.
The Liverbird look showcases the perfect blend of innovation and tradition. If Adidas brings this concept to life, it could be one of Liverpool’s most memorable, and possibly most sold kits yet.