Amidst an incredible soap opera of a summer, Ibrahima Konate's own twisting tale has gone a little under the radar.
The French defender has had interest from Real Madrid and is yet to extend the one year remaining on his contract, all of which may explain his rather poor start to the season.
Konate signed for the Reds just after their title win in 2021 and quickly became a fan favourite at Anfield.
His early partnership with Virgil van Dijk blossomed instantly with the pair keeping back-to-back clean sheets in their first two outings, including a 5-0 win at Old Trafford.
A key piece to success
The Frenchman had his injury issues but still played a key part in three Liverpool domestic trophies before his defining season last time out.
Konate played 31 games in last year's league campaign, winning plaudits for his strength pace and composure.
He was unfortunate to miss out on a Team of the Season place and looked all set for another fine season this year.
Liverpool thought they'd had enough contract shenanigans with the end of last season seeing late renewals for Mohamed Salah and van Dijk and the lack of renewal for Madrid-bound Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Real Madrid have targeted the Frenchman across this summer, with rumours of both an official bid being rejected in June and the interest in a free signing should his contract expire next summer as currently stands.
Uncertain future, uncertain form?
Konate did also reportedly turn down a new offer to stay at Liverpool, which may force a possible sale either on deadline day or in the January window.
Though other factors may be at play, Konate's worrying start to the current season may be down to these doubts over his future.
The big defender was comically involved in the Bournemouth equaliser on opening day which he followed with a similarly slapstick display at St James Park last week.
His composure and confidence certainly looks effected by some of these possible factors and with new signing Gio Leoni looking likely to be joined by England defender Marc Guehi before the window slams shut on Monday, the pressure could be even greater on the decision over his future.
However all is certainly not lost for Konate at Liverpool. There are no doubts over his overall quality on his day and he remains both a fan's and player's favourite at Anfield.
Competition can also breed improvement and Konate may relish the pressure to keep his starting position, a position in which he's not had a challenge since the sale of Jarell Quansah.
The ball very much seems in the defender's court with Liverpool insisting they want the Frenchman this season and beyond.
It looks unlikely he will leave as soon as this window for sure but the summer and beyond looks set to mirror the tug of war that engulfed Trent last season.