Simon Mignolet's six-year Liverpool career is over after he agreed a deal to return to Belgium with Club Brugge.
Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool's manager, had indicated after a friendly at Bradford last month that the dependable Mignolet would stay at Anfield as he his club needed 'two number ones' in their quest for trophies.
Mignolet has found his opportunities limited over the last two seasons. He initially lost his place to Loris Karius and then found himself blocked by Liverpool's £64.6million purchase of Alisson Becker.
He has played an important role, however, day-to-day in terms of putting pressure on Alisson and his team-mates recognise that Mignolet has never allowed his standards to drop or mood to change.
But Mignolet has never hidden his ambition to be a consistent No1 again and the opportunity to head to Club Brugge in time to be registered for their Champions League qualifier against Dynamo Kiev – the first leg of which is on Tuesday night.
Liverpool will need to bring in experienced cover before Thursday's transfer deadline as their young goalkeepers Caoimhim Keheller (wrist) and Vitoslav Jaros (elbow ligaments) both have injuries that have kept them sidelined for a number of weeks.
Mignolet had opportunities to leave 12 months ago – Fulham were among the clubs interested – but Liverpool have now granted Mignolet the opportunity to go; it is likely they will receive a fee of around £6m for the 31-year-old, who has two seasons remaining on his contract.