Sadio Mane has handed Liverpool a significant boost by signing a new long-term deal and committing his future to the club.
Liverpool let the Senegal international know at the end of last season they would be only too happy to be begin contract talks, in recognition of the role Mane played in their run to the Champions League final - he scored in every knockout round, as well as against Real Madrid.
Having already secured the signatures of Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, both of whom had their deals significantly enhanced, Liverpool let Mane know they wanted him to reward him in the same for the progress he had made.
Mane, who initially signed terms for five years when he arrived from Southampton in 2016, made it clear to Liverpool that there was no need for them to rush the business, as he had no thoughts of playing for anyone else. He was linked to Real Madrid in July but the story had no substance.
Dialogue continued, though, between Michael Edwards and Mane's agent Sascha Empacher - who also represents midfielder Naby Keita - and they formalised an agreement, which significantly increased his wages to more than £150,000 per week.
Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool's head coach, is a huge fan of Mane and believes he can become one of the best players in his position in the world.
The 26-year-old, meanwhile, is settled on Merseyside and the contract extension will run to the summer of 2023.
Now the deal for Mane is completed, Liverpool will have the nucleus of their squad on long-term deals.
Jordan Henderson, the club captain, was the most recent player to extend his contract. He missed England's win over Croatia last Sunday but is aiming to be available for tomorrow's trip to Watford.
Mane told the club's website: 'I am very happy, very happy to extend my time at Liverpool.
'It is a great day for me and now I am looking forward to everything – to helping the team, to helping the club achieve our dreams and, especially, to win trophies.
'I've always said, when I knew I had a chance to come here I didn't have to think twice. The right club in the right moment and with the right coach as well. I came here and was very happy. For me, I have made the best decision in my career.'
-Dailymail