Ross Barkley has been the subject of plenty of transfer speculation in recent months.
Everton boss Ronald Koeman has publicly demanded his midfielder make a decision on a potential new deal this week, as rumours persist that the 23 year-old could move to another Premier League club. Manchester United are just one of several big names reportedly interested in the England star.
That's why Everton supporters will be relieved to see Barkley playing such a big role in the official launch of their team's new kit for next season.
The club have picked the playmaker - alongside Leighton Baines, Tom Davies and Under-23 players Jonjoe Kenny and Joe Williams - to celebrate the strong local contingent of players in the Everton squad.
The strip features new sponsors SportPesa for the first time. The African betting firm has signed a five year agreement with the Blues, which is apparently the most “lucrative” in their history.
The new design sees the Club return to the classic Umbro diamond graphic running down the sleeves and a contrasting diamond pattern featuring on the side of the shorts, combining the spirit of the past with the excitement of the future.
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The #TogetherBlue campaign was inspired by the legacy of Dixie Dean, a local player, Evertonian and Club legend who scored an astonishing 383 goals in his 12 years at Goodison Park, including an unbeaten 60 league strikes in a single campaign.
In honour of this, the design includes a Dixie Dean motif on the back of the neck, as chosen by Evertonians earlier this season in a fan vote through the Club’s official Fans’ Forum.
Speaking about the new kit, Umbro General Manager Anthony Little said: “The strong connection between the fans and players is one of the things that makes Everton special, everyone feels part of the Club and that is something we want to celebrate with Together Blue.
“The design of the new 2017/18 home kit proudly includes a nod to both our own and Everton’s traditions, while preparing the players, Club and its fans for an exciting future. We’re pleased to bring this to life using players at the Club that represent the idea of Together Blue perfectly.”
Everton midfielder Tom Davies added: “I remember sitting in the Gwladys Street as a kid and being in awe of the stadium and the team - and now I’m out on the pitch myself wearing the shirt. The pride all us local lads have playing for Everton can’t really be described - but I really feel like I’m representing the fans when I pull on the Blue shirt. I know exactly how privileged I am to be able to put on the Everton shirt.”
Designed to aid performance, the ‘pique fabric’ on the main body of the shirt offers a classic look, comfort and durability for the players while the ergonomically structured mesh in the underarm area helps with breathability.
The white shorts also have a running diamond graphic which features in contrast side panels and the woven fabric offers extra movement and an improved fit. The white performance socks have a comfortable cotton footbed and a contrast blue stripe with the Umbro logo to complete the kit.
The Blues’ new home strip is available to pre-order now either online at Everton Direct, or in store at Everton One at Goodison Park or Everton Two in Liverpool One.
The 2017/18 home kit will go on sale on Thursday 8 June both in-store and online and will be available to purchase in men’s, women’s, junior and infant sizes.