Topics: Neymar, Ernesto Valverde, Barcelona, La Liga
The Blaugrana showcased a fresh look but with the club's traditional design kept intact.

Barcelona look to wash away the memories of the disappointing season that was 2016/17, having unveiled their kit for the upcoming season.

The uniform is the first to feature Rakuten – the Japanese e-commerce company and new Blaugrana sponsors – on the chest. The new kit retains much of the club’s tradition, but makes enough tweaks to give off a refreshed look.

The vertical stripes make a return, but have a more faded look when compared to Barcelona’s previous kit. A darker shade of red and blue can be seen in the newly-released jersey.

And the players will be proud to wear the new kit next season. Neymar told the club’s official website: “Pulling on the new Barça kit for the first time creates a mixture of pride and optimism for the season ahead. It looks and feels like a modern uniform of sport.”

Barcelona, Rakuten, La Liga

Barcelona, Rakuten, La Liga

Barcelona, Rakuten, La Liga

Of course, success is not guaranteed by kits but rather the players and manager. With Luis Enrique having waved goodbye to Camp Nou in their Copa del Rey final win, a new boss is needed at Camp Nou.

Ernesto Valverde is tipped as the likely candidate. A free agent after leaving Athletic Bilbao, the Spaniard’s experience could help Barcelona wrestle back the league crown from Real Madrid.