As a large section of Liverpool fans collectively let out a sigh of relief, others were left holding their breath.
Indeed, beneath the celebration of Philippe Coutinho’s new five-year contract extension was an undercurrent of skepticism and to a degree deja vu.
Liverpool have, after all, been here before. Numerous times. The corridors of Anfield are lined with the ghosts of star players who have left for big money moves elsewhere and one in particular lingers in the background after Coutinho penned a deal to become the club’s highest earner on a reported £200,000 (Dh694,000) per week.
In recent seasons the Reds have become a selling club. Key assets have been stripped and rebuilding projects commenced after the likes of Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano, Fernando Torres, Raheem Sterling and, most poignant in this case, Luis Suarez all left for pastures new.
Yes, Liverpool have struggled to both attain and retain the big names required to thrust the club back into the elite on a domestic and European front. They are without a league title since 1990 and have been absent from the Champions League for all but one of the last seven years.
This current baron climate has created a swirl of anxiety among the Anfield faithful and no long-term deal will dissipate that sentiment when it comes to Coutinho.
Indeed, there are parallels between the Brazilian and Suarez to suggest another transfer storm is brewing. Barcelona continue to hover in the distance and their intentions have been made clear with current and former stars all trotted out to praise the “Little Magician”. The tactic is no different to the one employed in their chase of Suarez in 2013/14 after the Uruguayan, like Coutinho now, signed fresh terms on a long-term agreement to stay on Merseyside in the wintertime only to leave the following summer.
But crucially that’s were the similarities between the two South Americans end. Coutinho has never agitated for a move away. His family is settled in Liverpool and unlike Suarez, who had claimed it was his dream to represent the Blaugrana, he has no emotional connection to the La Liga giants.
“Since me and my family arrived here we have been welcomed with open arms by everyone,” Coutinho said.
“We feel at home in this city, we feel a part of this city. It is a very important day for me, my wife and my daughter. I am happy and everyone is happy at home.”
It’s hard not to take those words at face value because to glean an indication of Coutinho’s attitude you only need to look back to the last time he signed on the dotted line back in February 2015.
His new deal came at a time when Sterling was engineering a move away from Anfield and amid all that drama, he signed without hesitation or fuss. But while the contract extension process has always been quiet, this one, notably without a release clause inserted, speaks volumes for the direction of the club.
In the past, many have downplayed his potential role at a bigger club. Now, though, those reservations have been decimated because he’s grown into Liverpool’s chief creator.
His substitute appearance in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United after a long spell on the sidelines justified his impact. Over the last two seasons his raw talent has been harnessed and utilised on a more consistent basis to the point where manager Jurgen Klopp has the man to build his squad around.
And it’s a team which is not far away from providing legitimate title challenges with more regularity. Klopp has developed a strong reputation for motivating his team for the important games.
It’s why they reached two finals last season and have dropped the fewest points against the top six.
Of course, struggles have come against sides they are expected to beat but once the German gets his side over that hump, success will surely follow.
Coutinho will be all too aware of that. By signing a new contract, it signifies his belief he won’t be holding his breath for sustained success at Liverpool.
