Lionel Messi's recent comments over his Barcelona future may have inadvertently strengthened Liverpool's own position in the transfer market.
The Barca skipper, 33, broke silence on his future plans in a revealing interview with La Setex on Sunday, stating he will not make a decision on his career until the end of the season.
Messi will be out of contract in June, and despite claiming he could still stay at the Nou Camp, his view on the club's current plight suggests otherwise.
"Everything that surrounds the club is becoming difficult," the Argentine forward said. "The club is in a really bad situation, it’s really bad and it’s hard to get back to where we were."
He added: "I wanted to win titles and battle for the Champions League and felt it was time for a change.
"It will also be difficult to bring in players because we need the money and there is no money.
"There are several important current players we need to fight again for everything and you have to pay them."
It's clear from Barcelona's struggles already this season, coupled with Messi's claims, that there is a significant rebuilding process to be done at the club on a limited budget.
And one of the players they are looking to be part of that project now has a big decision to make.
Liverpool have tabled their latest offer to midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, who is also set to become a free agent in the summer.
After winning every major trophy there is to win at Anfield, few could criticise the Dutchman for seeking a new challenge elsewhere.
The conundrum facing Wijnaldum now though, is whether the challenge he is potentially walking into is worth leaving Merseyside for.
At 30, he still has several years ahead of him at the top level of the game, though it's understandable why Liverpool are reluctant to offer him anything longer than a three-year extension.
Given Liverpool's current dominance, Wijnaldum could add plenty more trophies to his growing cabinet in that time, and remains an important player under Jurgen Klopp.
His crucial role in the Reds' midfield has been highlighted further this season, amid Liverpool's ongoing injury crisis, as Wijnaldum has featured in all-but two of his team's fixtures.
He would no doubt be certain of a starting berth if he chose to link-up with former international boss Ronald Koeman at Barcelona.
But what sort of Barcelona will he be part of?
Even if Messi does stay, the club's aging squad is in serious need of investment, and Barcelona's financial problems meant they were unable to stretch to sign Memphis Depay in the last window.
Messi's departure would free up significant funds on the wage bill, but the club would lose the allure of the world's best player, both in attracting new players and in commercial income.
Being a part of a new project at Barcelona brings plenty of appeal, but there is no guarantee they can return to their former glories within the next few seasons.
Wijnaldum is free to talk with foreign clubs from January 1, but has reportedly asked Liverpool for more time to mull over their latest offer, insisting he will not enter negotiations with potential suitors before giving them his final decision.
With Messi's future still uncertain, would Wijnaldum be prepared to take that leap into the relative unknown?
As Klopp put it when asked about Mo Salah's future recently: "We could all look for something else if we want. But I think the only reason to leave Liverpool at the moment is the weather.
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"What other reason could there be? This is one of the biggest clubs in the world, we pay good money. Maybe not the most in the world, but we pay good and we have a sensational stadium with outstanding supporters and we have a fan base all around the world."
Wijnaldum's demands are thought to centre around earning a salary in line with the world's top midfielders - something Barcelona may struggle to meet in the current climate.
Speaking of the lure of playing for Barcelona, Klopp added: "We make changes and bring players in and if a player wants to go, we cannot hold them back.
"It is just I wouldn't understand why they would want to go."
That's a question Wijnaldum now has to find the answer to.
