Now that the season is over (pretty much) attention has switched to next term. The transfer window opened this morning, which means that from now until the start of August, clubs will start to get rid of the players they no longer want representing them, and start to bring in reinforcements ahead of the new campaign.
This summer's window promises to be a cracker, with the money involved in football seemingly increasing each and every year. It's utter madness out there, now, but who are we to complain; not our money, is it?
Alongside player comings and goings however, comes a new wave of football kits, our favourite. Gone are the days where clubs will keep their designated strip for more than one season - in this modern age designs have to remain fresh, patterns unique and styles experimented with (see Juventus' non-striped new kit for reference below).
Slowly but surely, clubs are releasing their new kits to the public. We've already seen Chelsea, Liverpool and now Manchester United's brand spanking new strips for next season, with Arsenal's gleaming new Adidas kit set to be released very soon (we'd be lying if we said we weren't excited about the prospect of a retro-style red & white Adidas shirt being donned by the Gunners next term).
News of Manchester City's astonishing new ten-year partnership with Puma, worth £650 million, had every self-proclaimed football fashionista talking back in February, with the highly anticipated release due to be in July. More on that as we get it, of course.
Away from English shores, though, and to Holland where Ajax have stolen the hearts of many this season by playing some unbelievably fluid football, described by some as sexy? It's hard to disagree, though a little weird to use that word. Their efforts in the Champions League, which saw them narrowly miss out on a spot in June's final after a last-gasp defeat to Tottenham last week, will forever be remembered in the history books.
Erik ten Hag's young side have been a pleasure to watch this time out, and although they've missed out on the UCL, have still enjoyed a successful season by winning the Dutch Eredivisie for the first time in five years, reclaiming it from last season's winners PSV.
Next year, they'll be looking to retain the title whilst also looking effortlessly flash in this beautiful new kit, produced by manufacturers Adidas. It has a khaki base, which is complemented brilliantly with the vibrant orange three stripes on the sleeves. The crest and sponsor on the shirt and shorts is also orange, while there is a subtle striped pattern on the front in a slightly darker green. Slick.
It may just be the nicest kit we've ever seen. Discuss (10 marks).
