Adidas launches unusual new Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United kits

Adidas has launched new kits for Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United in an unusual first for the brand.

Fans of the three English Premier League giants are already able to buy home, away and third shirts for the 2026/27 season, but the latest launch is something very different.

Adidas has launched home shirts in knitted form. The long-sleeve knitwear is identical to the club’s home shirts apart from the material and the front-of-shirt sponsor, which is replaced with the club name.

The Arsenal kit is completely knitted with a ribbed crew neckline, matching ribbed cuffs and a waistband. The back of the kit even has a number 10 design built in.

It was the first launched in the UK after being spotted in the Arsenal store, but Liverpool and Manchester United versions are set to be launched in time for Christmas, according to Adidas.

The knitwear kits are a first for the brand and are only available for the three clubs classed as ‘Elite’ by Adidas. ‘Elite’ clubs are eligible for more merchandise launches throughout the season, such as Manchester United’s recent leisurewear launch and Liverpool’s teamwear range.

Across Europe, they also include Real Madrid and Juventus, who are both likely to get their own knitted kits in time for Christmas.

Adidas ‘Elite’ clubs get a host of perks for fans across the season, including special edition kits, worldwide distribution of kits across the world, and long-sleeve ‘authentic’ versions of kits available to fans.

Clubs such as Newcastle and Leeds are classed as a tier below and, while they do get some extra merchandise such as club-themed Adidas Samba trainers, they do not get the full range of launches and merchandise options.

Newcastle, Leeds and Villa make up part of Adidas’ 19 ‘preferred’ clubs alongside the Elite selection of clubs, although there are 40 Adidas clubs in the brand’s portfolio that get extra kit design touches such as the use of the retro Adidas Trefoil badge on away or third shirts.