Mohamed Salah actions impossible to ignore as unspoken Liverpool fear comes to pass
Rare is a group of people more frantically forensic than football supporters. And when it comes to offering breadcrumbs, Mohamed Salah left a whole loaf for Liverpool fans to comb through in the wake of the frustrating draw against Manchester United.
On Monday morning, the Egyptian, as is often the case, took to his social media channels to post images reflecting on another performance for Arne Slot's side.
But it was impossible to ignore the fact that, despite having scored a penalty and subsequently produced an iconic celebration, he chose to post an image of lining up a second-half free-kick.
READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold prompts fume as Mohamed Salah forced to step in for Liverpool
The intrigue came from the fact Salah was standing over the ball alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold, with Virgil van Dijk stood to one side. The only three players in shot, they are, of course, the three senior Liverpool squad members who at present will walk away from the club for nothing when their contracts expire at the end of the season.
Supporters desperate for updates on negotiations over new Anfield deals for the trio have therefore read much into Salah's post, with the spotlight having intensified following the opening of the January window and with it the ability of all three to officially open talks with clubs from abroad and agree a prospective free transfer in the summer.
This was always going to be the case, the unspoken fear among Liverpool and supporters now coming to pass. And it shifts the emphasis and narrative. What had for a long time been a strong talking point is now in danger of having a tangible impact on matters on and off the pitch.
Alexander-Arnold's poor performance against United was particularly untimely given it was his first appearance since the news emerged of Real Madrid chancing their arm and asking if Liverpool would allow the player to leave this month for a relatively minimal transfer fee.
With the Reds still very much in the hunt for silverware on four fronts, there is little appetite to weaken the squad particularly with Alexander-Arnold having been such a key player when available.
The concern, though, will be with Real Madrid having now made official their interest in the 26-year-old, the discussion over his future could become an unnecessary distraction for both the right-back and the squad.
In fairness, there has been little sign of that during the first half of the season. And with Van Dijk challenging Alexis Mac Allister for the status of Liverpool's best performer against United and Salah continuing his outstanding form with a 21st goal of the season from the spot, there's no suggestion the ongoing impasse is affecting that duo either.
There is a key difference in that while Van Dijk and Salah appear willing to broach the subject of their contracts - even if it is to point out they are not close to a new agreement - Alexander-Arnold hasn't publicly addressed his situation.
It could indicate the defender hasn't determined his next move. If so, it could be counter-productive to now publicly discuss matters with the situation unresolved. But the reality is when, as he will do at some point, Alexander-Arnold settles on his future intention, it would better serve everyone for him to tell supporters as soon as possible. It would provide clarity over the closing months of the season, end the chatter and allow for focus solely on the pitch.
After all, should the Bernabeu beckon, he wouldn't be the first homegrown player - let alone outstanding talent - to leave Liverpool on a free transfer. And it must be said any concerted and targeted criticism from the fanbase is hardly likely to persuade Alexander-Arnold to stay although, in the case of his display against United, grumbles would be justified regardless.
Fingers quite rightly continue to be pointed at Liverpool for having allowed a situation where all three players - as integral under Slot as they were under Jurgen Klopp - are now close to an exit. But any blame cannot be place solely at their feet.
The Reds have made offers to all three players and as much as Van Dijk and Salah have declared their love for the club - with the Dutchman remaining "calm" over his situation - it thus far hasn't been sufficient to prompt a clearly necessary compromise in negotations. Everyone has their own sense of value and Alexander-Arnold is no different to Van Dijk and Salah in that regard.
Under Slot, Liverpool have this season put themselves in an excellent position to win silverware home and abroad in what is proving a memorable debut campaign under the Dutchman.
How Real Madrid and any other parties interested in the trio act is beyond Liverpool's remit. But it would be foolish for everyone else involved to allow a situation to fester that threatens success over the coming months. The next few weeks will go a long way to determining just how much of a distraction those contract talks could prove to be.
