Liverpool breezed past Qarabag at Anfield and secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League, ending a largely confident group campaign with a win.
It was a comprehensive victory and a fine showcase of the attacking quality at Arne Slot's disposal - attacking quality that has not been effectively utilised for much of the campaign.
While a Premier League contest against Newcastle United on Saturday evening will serve as a more accurate gauge of where this struggling Liverpool side currently stand, this reminded everyone that the Reds have a wealth of title-winning talent.
Alexis Mac Allister celebrates for Liverpool
Mohamed Salah was among those on the scoresheet, and while the Egyptian will be needed over the coming month, his time on Merseyside is drawing to a close.
Liverpool prepare to replace Salah
Salah ended an eight-match run without a goal against Qarabag, curling home from a free-kick after being deftly teed up by Dominik Szoboszlai.
But the 33-year-old is bound to be approaching his final run of such emphatic moments, having declined this year and faced speculation over whether he will leave for the Saudi Pro League this summer, one year before the culmination of his £400k-per-week contract.
It goes without saying that sporting director Richard Hughes will need to find a top-class replacement.
As per Spanish sources, Liverpool are interested in signing Ousmane Dembele this summer, with the Men's Ballon d'Or holder at a contractual stalemate in the French capital.
ousmane-dembele
The 28-year-old sits among the pantheon of football's modern elite players, and given that he's entered his prime over the past year, technically and physically, Liverpool could hit the jackpot by bringing him over to star in Salah's stead.
Dembele, who grew up supporting Liverpool, is tied to the Parc Des Princes until 2028, so the transfer fee would be astronomical.
Why Dembele is the perfect Salah upgrade
While Dembele has had his career ups and downs, he bloomed into a bona fide superstar last year, scoring 35 goals and supplying 16 assists across 53 appearances. He led the Parisiens to a historic quadruple, and the coveted golden ball besides.
Paris St Germain's Ousmane Dembele celebrates after winning the men's Ballon d'Or award
Salah returned to goalscoring form against Qarabag, but he remains a shadow of his once athletic self. He has lost several yards of pace and the sharpness that has been invariable throughout his Anfield career.
It's worth noting that Qarabag do not boast the quality and intensity and style of so many Premier League outfits who have thwarted Liverpool this season, with Salah toiling through recent games against Bournemouth and Burnley in the top flight.
Dembele has struggled with injuries throughout the 2025/26 campaign, but he's still maintained his prolific touch, scoring eight times and providing six assists, having started only 11 of his 21 outings.
Ousmane Dembele for PSG
Season
25/26
24/25
23/24
22/23
Data via Transfermarkt
Not just a potent force, Dembele has also raised the bar in regard to his ball-carrying and creativity. As per Sofascore, he averaged 2.2 created chances last year and is producing 2.5 across the 2025/26 season. It's clear why so many have proclaimed him to be "the best player in the world", such as statistician Statman Dave.
Moreover, he has completed 56% of his dribbles in Ligue 1 this year, whereas Salah has completed only 27% in the Premier League, underscoring his deterioration as a fleet-footed force. Albeit the veteran still fashions chances to a high standard.
The Times' Peter Rutzler has even proclaimed that PSG boss Luis Enrique has "transformed Dembele into Europe's most prolific forward".
The Reds need such a player to take the baton from Salah, and who better than Dembele?
Hugo Ekitike celebrates for Liverpool Related
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Liverpool desperately need to add to their ranks before the winter transfer window closes next week.