Curtis Jones leaving Liverpool may make sense from a purely footballing perspective, but it's still a difficult departure to see.
Jones is a tidy midfielder, a useful ball carrier and a player who can provide an option from the bench. However, there are legitimate questions over whether he moves the ball quickly enough for the rapid transitions Andoni Iraola demands.
Jones has also developed into an important presence within the dressing room. He helps new signings settle, brings personality and humour to the group, and provides a connection between different parts of the squad.
That could make his departure particularly significant.
Jones is Liverpool's only Scouser in the first-team squad, and that connection to the city cannot simply be replaced through the transfer market. Losing a local representative in the dressing room could have an impact on morale and the sense of identity within the squad.
There is also a wider argument for continuity. Liverpool cannot constantly change its squad without affecting the relationships and chemistry that develop between players. Togetherness remains an important part of building a successful team, particularly when introducing so many new faces.
That doesn't mean Liverpool should keep Jones purely for sentimental reasons. If Iraola's system requires quicker decision-making and faster transitions, then Liverpool have to be ruthless. Jones can be a useful squad player while still being someone the club could upgrade on.
The difficult part is that Liverpool wouldn't simply be losing a midfielder.
They would be losing their only Scouser, a familiar face in the dressing room and someone who helps new players feel at home.
Liverpool can replace Curtis Jones the footballer. Replacing what Curtis Jones represents could be considerably harder.