Liverpool entered the international break with their confidence dented. A loss to Brighton inflicted the Reds' tenth defeat of the campaign.
That outcome has now been compounded by the seismic news that legendary winger Mohamed Salah will depart the club at the end of the season. The defending Premier League champions now appear to be heading into yet another summer of transition.
While all attention will be on the future of Arne Slot and the players arriving at Anfield, today's Liverpool news sees a key player linked with a departure. Elsewhere, Salah's bombshell announcement has been questioned by a Premier League icon. The ECHO takes a closer look.
Former Manchester United legend Roy Keane believes Salah's announcement might backfire and generate negativity if Liverpool's campaign continues to disappoint.
Salah is set to conclude his Liverpool spell after nine years with the club after the 33-year-old confirmed he would leave the club with 12 months still remaining on his contract this summer.
"I'm not sure it's ideal timing to announce that," Keane said. "I don't know why he doesn't wait until the end of the season. Last year, there was the noise, 'This could be my last game at Old Trafford.' He played all of those games last year before he signed his new deal. If Liverpool finish the season really badly, and they've not been great, and he's in games.
"We saw it with Trent [Alexander-Arnold] a little bit, in different circumstances. Is he leaving and then he has a bad game against United. So just say they come off it in the last month or two, and they don't do anything in the cup matches, and he's not at his best, they'll be saying, 'He's already left the club and his heart is not in it.'"
Keane cautioned: "I think that can turn a bit nasty, so this idea of a parade... it would be different if they were Arsenal, top of the league, they're going to win the league like last year. I'm not sure about the timing. I don't know why he doesn't wait until the end of the season and go, 'I've done my bit.'"
Spanish publication Marca reports that Los Blancos are in active discussions with Ibrahima Konate's representatives concerning a transfer this summer.
Madrid are understood to have been compelled into action on their defence as they assess Antonio Rudiger's situation. The German centre-back remains unsure whether to remain in the Spanish capital beyond this season.
The La Liga heavyweights have now shifted their focus to future defensive planning. The report suggests Madrid are keen on Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck, though he may pen a new deal in Germany.
Should that happen, Madrid are reported to view Konate as 'another option' with the club said to have made contact with his representatives. The French centre-half has produced inconsistent performances this campaign, but Liverpool will be reluctant to lose an experienced defender amid an injury crisis at the back.
While Konate could leave as a free agent at the season's end, Liverpool supporters have been offered some encouragement that he will remain. According to The Athletic, both the player and the Anfield club are seeking to strike an agreement, with constructive and cordial talks ongoing.
Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool at the end of the season and Fanatics has cut the price of this season's kits with 'M. Salah 11' printing.
