When the signing of Memphis Depay was announced by Manchester United last week its news was no doubt met with a collective groan on Merseyside.
For several months Depay had been a much-publicised target for Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, identified as the man who could help fill the void left by Luis Suarez following his departure to Barcelona last summer.
But, unsurprisingly, Dutchman Depay chose the lure of Champions League football at Old Trafford with United and working with his fellow countryman Louis Van Gaal over potential trips to Groningen and working under a manager whose future looks ever-more fragile with each passing weekend.
Liverpool did claim a point at Premier League champions Chelsea at the weekend but, in truth, the foot had been eased off the gas slightly by Jose Mourinho’s men.
Rodgers’ troops face an almost impossible task to reach the Champions League now and his side are facing a major rebuilding job over the summer if they are to remain anywhere near the top four.
Mario Balotelli has been a dreadful buy, Raheem Sterling wants out and Jordan Henderson has been tasked with filling the void that will be left when Steven Gerrard departs at the end of the season. They are in real trouble.
The only bright spot for Liverpool this season has been the stellar performances of Phillipe Coutinho, with the Brazilian proving his credentials with consistently impressive displays. He is now their key man without a doubt.
But he will be the subject of many admiring glances from clubs with some disposable cash this summer and he may well be lured away from a club who are heading in the wrong direction.
The reliance that the Anfield club had on Suarez, a player signed by Kenny Dalglish, was there for all to see this season as, coupled with Daniel Sturridge’s injury woes, the club have failed to find the back of the net consistently enough.
Liverpool owners, Fenway Sports Group, now face a difficult decision this summer. Stick or twist.
Do they back Rodgers one final time in the transfer market in a bid to bridge the gap or do they look elsewhere for a new man in the hot seat?
For me, if the Reds want to re-establish themselves at the top table they need to take drastic action. If not, next season the Europa League could be beyond them.
