'Leave the footballer before the footballer leaves you'

[BBC] [Getty Images] Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp were criticised in some quarters for letting a squad get past their peak without phasing in replacements. The result was a summer in which they signed Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch in one fell swoop. While fortunes varied at first, Liverpool fans don't need a reminder that this trio became a league-winning midfield under a manager that has since been sacked. In fact, many believed the beginning of the end for Arne Slot was his supposed mishandling of Mo Salah, after the player went public with his frustrations at being dropped and "scapegoated" for the team's poor form at the time. The 34-year-old has now signed for the team that finished third in the Turkish league last season, which has left many fans scratching their heads further. While it does raise questions on all sides, it could be argued that this is a move representative of a player that went past his peak at Anfield. Yes, he saved one of his best seasons for one of his last years, but perhaps that only sped up his decline in ability to continue at the top level - that aforementioned 2022-23 vintage under Klopp went all the way in all four competitions just the season before their sharp decline, after all. While Liverpool are still searching for a replacement, Jamie Carragher's "leave the football before the football leaves you" springs to mind, but rather "leave the footballer before the footballer leaves you". Because while Salah could still be starting for the Reds on the opening day based on a lack of experienced options, would they be better served moving on and starting the auditions for said replacement right now? Links have emerged to PSG's Ibrahim Mbaye, while reports suggest they're still pursuing his team-mate Bradley Barcola, as it's clear that fresh ideas are needed. Salah is a Liverpool legend that will always be loved on Merseyside, but his latest move makes it clear it was time for all parties to move on. Find more from Josh Sexton on outlets including The Anfield Wrap