Sadio Mane's desire to seek a new challenge away from Liverpool has taken many supporters by surprise.
After watching star players such as Fernando Torres, Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez all leaving Anfield in search of trophies, the Reds have since become the go-to destination for ambitious stars craving success at the top level. Keeping hold of key individuals has proven easier than ever with Jurgen Klopp at the helm, highlighted by last summer's transfer activity which saw the likes of Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold commit their futures to the club.
Mane may be bucking this trend should be depart in the weeks ahead, though Liverpool's position as a dream destination will remain intact. The Reds' two most recent signings reinforce this message, with both Fabio Carvalho and Luis Diaz rejecting interest from elsewhere in order to make Merseyside their new home.
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The same could also be said for veteran midfielder James Milner, who has chosen to extend his stay at the club for a further year - snubbing offers from abroad and in the Premier League to make this possible. 'A unique club' is how the former Manchester City star described Liverpool after putting pen to paper on a new deal, a sentiment that is shared by a number of other first-team members.
Klopp attempted to remind Coutinho of this very fact prior to the Brazilian's departure in January 2018, telling the 29-year-old: "Stay here and they will end up building a statue in your honour. Go somewhere else, to Barcelona, to Bayern Munich, to Real Madrid, and you will be just another player. Here you can be something more."
What's clear is that Liverpool will have a plan in place should Mane part company with the Reds this summer, which will result in another individual having the chance to become the latest Kop hero. Klopp won't have to say much to convince prospective signings Anfield is the place to be for the good of their career, for the recent exploits of the first-team should do all the talking in this department.
With Klopp's long-term future also secured, the future looks bright at Liverpool. Mane was the man who kick-started the German's tenure in style and acts as the evidence of what can be accomplished while operating in a system opponents are often unable to match.
The 30-year-old forward may well have decided this is the right time to write a new chapter in his career, though there will be no shortage of suitors wishing to take on his role within the side. A force to be reckoned with both domestically and on the European stage, representing the Reds is an opportunity you'd have to be foolish to pass up on.
