Simply the thought of Lucas Leiva leaving Liverpool in the summer is enough to evoke a touch of despair amongst Reds.
A 10 year spell at Anfield has seen the Brazilian transform from a player few knew what to really make of into this club’s adopted Scouser and clear fan favourite. He has been a loyal and influential servant to this club and someone undoubtedly far too valuable to let go.
Once again, though, there remains to be uncertainty surrounding his future. Lucas himself has been unable to shed any real light on what the future holds for him, explaining how he will sit down and discuss his options with Jurgen Klopp, but not until the end of the season.
“I have got one more year left after this, but I think I need to just concentrate on the next five games. I have been here long enough and if the time comes for me to go somewhere else I think I will leave with the feeling that I did everything I could,” he told the Liverpool Echo.
“I don’t really know what will happen. I just need to focus on the last five games. The last few games I have played I feel very good. I have played centre-back and midfield, so I give some options to the manager and when he needs me I always try to deliver.”
“Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but that happens with everyone. So, listen, there is no doubt about my commitment to Liverpool. I just need to wait until the end of the season, work hard and make a decision together with the club.”
“Yes, (I’ll speak with Klopp). I think we will agree something. Good for both of us. I would love to give the answer 100% but unfortunately I cannot give it.”
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It will be tough to see him move on elsewhere if that does turn out to be the case but we’re certain that all Reds will agree with us when we say he deserves the best no matter what decision is made.
Lucas has been close to leaving Merseyside on more than one occasion over recent years yet there has never been a good enough reason to justify letting him go, and we still don’t think there is.