Nike seemingly jumped the gun by unveiling the new Chelsea home kit for next season before deleting their social media reveal.
Although there’s still plenty to play for in the 2024/25 season, clubs typically announce their fresh strips around this time of year.
Chelsea teased the arrival of their next home kit on Instagram, with one post having a themed coffee mug accompanied by ‘16.05.25’.
However, manufacturers Nike went a day early with the news as images of the attire were uploaded onto their social media channels.
The kit remains royal blue and dons a pattern across the design, with a hint of white also added onto the collar.
Nike uploaded official shots of the kit on Thursday but deleted them after less than an hour amid Friday’s anticipated release.
Chelsea have announced that fans can attend a signing session at Stamford Bridge on May 20.
Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella will be the men’s team players as Hannah Hampton and Sjoeke Nusken represent the women.
The new home kit is seemingly more toned down compared to their current strip, which features a wavy pattern and orange tints.
Chelsea also went without a front-of-shirt sponsor for much of the season but now have DAMAC Properties displayed on kits.
The Dubai-based property development company will occupy the spot until the end of the campaign.
It remains to be seen who will appear on the Blues’ shirts next season, with the images featuring sponsorless apparel.
Chelsea will be aware that Champions League football in the 2025/26 campaign will boost their chances of signing a lucrative deal.
Enzo Maresca’s side current hold the fifth and final qualification spot with two games left to play.
Their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle last weekend means the top five race is set to go to the final day of the season.
Arsenal, Newcastle, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are all eyeing the final four spots after champions Liverpool.
Chelsea make their final home appearance on Friday when they host Manchester United, live on talkSPORT.
They then travel to Forest on the final day before facing Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final on May 28.
