Mohamed Salah has been a phenomenon since arriving at Liverpool from Roma six years ago, but rumours have never been so frequent suggesting a move away from Anfield is on the cards.
The Egyptian star has been the subject of relentless interest from the Saudi Pro League, and despite astonishing fees being offered for his services it appears that Salah is set to stay put with the Reds for at least one more season.
Appearing on talkSPORT, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher discussed the possibility of the 31-year-old’s exit and what the Reds must do if their main man is to leave the club.
“Before you know it, his contract is going to be up,” said Carragher.
“It is less than two years now that the season has started, and he would [soon] be able to go on a free.
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“The feeling amongst Liverpool supporters is that we have maybe got him for one more season… rather than letting him go now at the start of a new season with no chance of actually bringing someone in right away.
“For all parties it almost feels right next summer. Liverpool, you would think, would still get a substantial transfer fee. Liverpool would still have Salah this season and give us a great chance for success, and then Liverpool have 12 months to think of someone, if there is anyone, out there who could possibly replace him.
“I always think it is difficult to replace players of that quality.”
Carragher is not wrong. Replacing a player with the quality of Salah is bound to be very tricky, and it might not be instantaneous.
The likelihood is that any replacement bought in would be someone with potential, someone who Jurgen Klopp feels could grow into a star rather than splashing the Salah funds on a ready-made, world-class, like-for-like switch.
What next if Salah leaves?
Although having said that, Federico Chiesa and Leroy Sané were two ready-made stars linked with Liverpool over the summer.
Overall, it is about finding the right balance. Using the funds not only to replace the gap that would be left by the winger’s departure, but also assessing which other areas of the pitch could be benefitted to improve the team throughout.
Salah remains with the Reds, for now at least, so what better parting gift could there be than to lead another Liverpool charge and finish the season with one last silverware swoop?
All eyes are bound to be on the Egypt international as usual.