Jamie Carragher jokes he’s Liverpool’s new centre-back in 2025-26 kit launch with adidas

‘New centre-back arrives!’ – Jamie Carragher’s playful jab at Liverpool’s transfer window amid kit reveal

Liverpool kicked off their highly anticipated new era with adidas by unveiling their home and away kits for the 2025-26 season on Friday morning. The Reds may have been launching a fresh look, but it was a familiar face that stole the spotlight — none other than club legend Jamie Carragher. As part of the official promotional rollout, Carragher posed in the brand-new home kit, and his presence quickly sparked a wave of humour and nostalgia among fans.

Following the kit reveal, the former Liverpool centre-back took to social media with a tongue-in-cheek caption that immediately caught the attention of Reds supporters. Posting a photo of himself clad in the slick new adidas strip, Carragher wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “The new @LFC centre back finally arrives! @adidasfootball 🏏️💛.”

Fans react: Laughter hides a deeper truth about squad depth

Carragher’s jest wasn’t just an innocent throwback. It subtly mirrored the concerns of Liverpool fans who have been growing restless about the club’s lack of defensive reinforcements during the summer window. His post went viral within hours, triggering a mix of laughter and worry.

@PaulSenior1 replied: “Can he play in a high line 😅,” referencing Liverpool’s trademark aggressive defensive setup. Meanwhile, @The_Afahanam offered a more satirical take: “The odds of Liverpool scoring own goals have reduced drastically with this new signing.”

Another supporter, @pekmade, chimed in: “Keep that kit on, might need to play some minutes with the lack of Centre-back depth.”

And as always, the sentimental side of Anfield shone through with @_RL_1892 tweeting: “We all dream of a team of Carraghers,” quoting the iconic terrace chant from the 2000s.

Perhaps the most pointed comment came from @EthanDavey25, who said: “At this point mate. Fourth choice I’d probably take you.”

The new @LFC centre back finally arrives! @adidasfootball ⚽️❤️

A brilliant joke with a serious undertone

Carragher’s post was a witty nod to Liverpool’s long-standing centre-back issues, but it also shined a light on the reality that the club remains worryingly thin in defence as the 2025-26 season approaches.

Jarell Quansah, once seen as a promising backup option, joined Bayer Leverkusen earlier this summer. His departure left an already depleted backline with even fewer options. With Joel Matip gone and no immediate replacement signed, the pressure is mounting on the recruitment department.

Virgil van Dijk, the ever-reliable Dutch captain, is still leading the back four, but now at 34 years old, there are valid questions about how much longer he can consistently perform at the highest level. Ibrahima Konate, his presumed successor, has just one year remaining on his current deal, and fresh reports suggest Real Madrid have him on their radar.

Joe Gomez, another senior name, struggled with recurring injuries and managed just 17 Premier League appearances last season. His inconsistency and fitness issues make it difficult to depend on him as a regular starter.

Who’s next? Liverpool’s centre-back shortlist led by Marc Guehi

Liverpool FC v Crystal Palace FC – Premier League

The club is known to be monitoring several defensive options. One name that has consistently been linked with a move to Anfield is Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi. The 25-year-old England international ticks all the boxes: Premier League experience, solid on-ball capabilities, aerial dominance, and room for growth.

With Guehi’s current deal at Palace running until 2026, Liverpool could look to negotiate a transfer this summer to avoid getting into a bidding war next season. Valuations hover around the £45-50 million mark, but considering Liverpool’s situation and Guehi’s long-term potential, it may be a price worth paying.

Other names rumoured to be under consideration include Antonio Silva of Benfica, Goncalo Inacio from Sporting CP, and Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie — all younger defenders with high ceilings and Champions League experience.

Adidas partnership launches with a bang

Beyond the transfer banter, the kit launch also marked the beginning of Liverpool’s new partnership with adidas — their first since 2012. The new designs have been well-received by fans, with a modern aesthetic that pays homage to the club’s rich heritage.

The home kit features a clean, traditional red with subtle pinstripes and white detailing. The away kit is a more adventurous, teal-and-black design that nods to the iconic 1995-96 away strip. The designs aim to blend nostalgia with performance, and Carragher’s presence at the launch certainly reinforced that spirit.

His inclusion wasn’t just a feel-good moment for the fans; it was a calculated reminder of what Liverpool once had in Carragher — a no-nonsense, consistent centre-back who gave his all every week. And maybe, just maybe, it was also a nudge to the boardroom to find the next version of him before the season begins.

Final thoughts: A playful jab that struck a chord

Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025

Jamie Carragher’s cheeky post might have been light-hearted in delivery, but it tapped into a collective anxiety among Liverpool supporters. With less than a month to go until the Premier League kicks off, the club’s defence remains alarmingly thin. The home kit may be ready. Carragher may look the part. But unless Liverpool act quickly, they may need more than nostalgia to get them through what could be a demanding season ahead.

So, while Carragher may have retired a decade ago, for one moment, under the spotlight in that bold new kit, he was the symbol of everything Liverpool fans crave again: leadership, reliability, and someone to anchor the back line. Now it’s over to the club to deliver the real thing.