The end of an era for Mohamed Salah. If that was to be his final game in a Liverpool shirt, then it's not the way he would have envisaged walking away from Anfield.
Just over a year ago the Egyptian was lifting the Premier League trophy and posing for selfies in front of the Kop. A year on, there will be none of that.
Perhaps he could have left before signing that big-money contract. After all, his powers have waned this term, but it's not enough to destroy his legacy.
Salah-Liverpool
After all, this is still a player with 12 goals and nine assists this term. That is no disgrace.
Who follows him out of the exit door in the summer remains to be seen.
Andy Robertson has confirmed he will be departing but Arne Slot's future is up in the air. Fellow Dutchman Virgil van Dijk may also leave but that one feels more likely in the summer of 2027. Even so, FSG need to be future-proofing their defence.
Liverpool could sign the new Virgil van Dijk
Alongside Salah, the club captain signed a new deal a year ago but given his age, it's not particularly likely that he'll be at Liverpool for too much longer.
It's why Ibrahima Konate's renewal is so important and it's why Jeremy Jacquet's move from Rennes is also vital.
Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate
It was announced over the winter that the talented young centre-back was joining Liverpool, but he won't officially link up with his teammates until the summer.
That said, Liverpool will not stop there in their attempts to bolster the squad. They may have spent an arm and a leg last term but more is required in the forthcoming months.
Jacquet might not be the only centre-back either. Indeed, transfer reporter Ben Jacobs has shared that Micky van de Ven could well up in Merseyside if he leaves Spurs this summer.
Tottenham are embroiled in a relegation dogfight and if they do go down, a mass exodus from north London is expected.
micky-van-de-ven-spurs-champions-league
So, providing the latest on the Dutch defender's future, Jacobs said: "He is someone Manchester United are keeping an eye on. There has been no approach to Spurs, and as of now, there has been zero approach to the player side from Manchester United.
"Liverpool are also in the market for another defender and the bad news for Man United on Micky van de Ven is if, and it is an ‘if’, Liverpool enter the race, Van de Ven is only making one decision between Liverpool and Manchester United, and he is picking Liverpool."
Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van de Ven celebrates scoring their third goal
Despite possible relegation, it's unlikely the Netherlands international would come cheap, with previous reports suggesting he was being valued as highly as £100m.
Why Van de Ven could be the new Van Dijk
You all remember the photograph. Nine years ago, Van Dijk posed in front of a Christmas tree holding a Liverpool jersey after signing from Southampton in December 2017.
He became one of the most expensive defenders of all time at £75m, but very few would have predicted the journey he was about to embark on at Anfield.
The most expensive defenders of all time
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
=10
=10
=10
Since moving to Merseyside, the veteran centre-back has played 370 times for the Reds, won two Premier League titles and hoisted the Champions League aloft. He's been alright, that's for sure.
Yet, all good things must come to an end. By the time he likely leaves in just over a year, he will be nearly 36. It's been a brilliant ride but it's time for something new.
Virgil-Van-Dijk-Liverpool
Jacquet will undoubtedly help, but in the shape of Van de Ven, they could sign their new Van Dijk, not just because he's Dutch and not just because it would be another cross-Premier League switch.
While he might not have shown it much this season and truthfully, not many at Spurs have, particularly in defence, Van de Ven is one of the best in the business in the English top-flight.
Blessed with remarkable pace, he is the quickest player the division has ever seen, registering a top speed of 37.38km/h against Brentford in January 2024.
In that regard, he's got Van Dijk beat but there are parallels to be had here. They're both natural leaders; Van de Ven has often been tasked with captaining Spurs in the absence of Cristian Romero.
Furthermore, he's the definition of a clutch player. Just like Van Dijk, the 25-year-old has a moment of magic in him. His assist against Manchester United, sprinting nearly the length of the pitch, said it all.
He's also a huge threat from corners, just like the Liverpool skipper. This season, the Tottenham centre-back has found the net on four occasions. Van Dijk, for context, also has four in the Premier League and six in all competitions.
Given the state of Spurs this campaign, there are likely to be question marks about signing anyone from them. Yet, Van de Ven is certainly one of the best of the bunch and Liverpool need greater strength in depth at centre-back.
Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane Related
[Liverpool's new Sadio Mane: FSG in pole position to sign £100m "monster"](https://www.footballfancast.com/liverpools-new-mane-fsg-in-pole-position-to-sign-van-de-ven/ "Liverpool's new Sadio Mane: FSG in pole position to sign £100m "monster"")
Liverpool are planning for another big summer rebuild.