The uncertain futures of Liverpool: As tearful Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson exits feel like the end of an Anfield era, two other stars could be next out, writes LEWIS STEELE

‘Don’t worry about a thing,’ sang the Anfield crowd at full-time to the tune of Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds. ‘Because every little thing is gonna be all right.’

And it will be. But on a day that started with smiley faces in the scorching sun and an outpouring of love for departing heroes, it was hard to escape the feeling of trepidation.

It was a day to remember at the end of a forgettable season as Liverpool bid farewell to two all-time greats in Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, plus a send-off for former captain Jordan Henderson who never got to say goodbye when he departed in 2023.

But the full-time feeling was perhaps one not just of bittersweet pride but deflation: Liverpool fans gutted to see two legends depart and maybe glad to see the season finish, Brentford supporters devastated to narrowly miss out on European football after a last-gasp gilt-edged chance went over.

Nevertheless, the point guaranteed Champions League football for next season – far from as guarantee at many points of this dismal campaign for Arne Slot’s side – and they can now make some serious moves into planning for life after Salah.

It should not be understated just how hard he will be to replace. The duo on their leaving do have enjoyed nine trophy-laden, glorious years that saw them scale many heights, awaken a sleeping giant and transform it into a super-power once more.

‘I cried a lot,’ said Salah. ‘More than my whole life. Very tough to leave a place like this. I’m not a very emotional guy… but it’s very tricky… we did it and we brought the club to where it belongs. 

‘A message to the players: it’s not about talent, it’s hard work and give it your all.’

With the sun beaming down on L4, they could bask in the heat and reflect on everything they achieved here: a Champions League, two Premier Leagues, an FA Cup, two Carabao Cups and a FIFA Club World Cup.

Salah leaves knowing his place in the pantheon is secured. The kids of today will grow up and talk about him in the same way their elders now discuss Sir Kenny Dalglish, Steven Gerrard and Ian Rush.

The debate will rage on about where he stands in the all-time list but for all the trophies, match-winning games and his journey from rural Egypt to the top of European football, there is no doubting he is in the conversation at least to be the greatest.

Robertson, meanwhile, deserves just as much praise. Signed for just £8million from soon-to-be Premier League Hull City – fancy a return, Robbo? – the Scotsman sums up the data-led Moneyball recruitment success over the last decade as much as anyone.

The pair were serenaded before, during and after the match with mosaics in the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand and Kop End. Just like two years ago when Jurgen Klopp departed, it felt like the end of an era.

Some Brentford fans joined in applause for the departing Reds but they were not here simply to enjoy a party. They knew a win could take them into European football for the first time.

When Kevin Schade equalised midway through the second half, the travelling Bees started to believe that was possible and started chanting about being a ‘bus stop in Hounslow’.

They should have won. Dango Ouattara missed a sitter in stoppage time that, had it gone it, would have seen them leapfrog Brighton into the final European spot.

Regardless of the outcome, what a journey they have been on and what a stellar job Keith Andrews has done in his debut managerial season of a team that was tipped for relegation when several key men departed last summer.

Slot will be hoping his team also improve after losing their best player. With talisman Salah exiting the club, Liverpool lose their goal-scorer and creator-in-chief, even if this final season has been blighted in a dip in form and a fallout with the head coach.

The Egyptian had multiple chances for one final Anfield goal, most notably a first-half free-kick that kissed the post on its way through.

As it was, Salah had to settle for an assist as he put the ball on a plate for Curtis Jones – another with an uncertain future given interest in signing him – to score a tap-in. It was vintage Salah, making something happen out of nothing.

It meant that he ended the season on 23 goal involvements. Even in his worst campaign in a Liverpool shirt, Salah still scored and assisted more goals than most forwards would dream of.

But in typical fashion for Slot’s side, they did not make their lead count and instead retreated backwards. Brentford grew in confidence and were soon level through Schade with a tidy finish.

He should have scored earlier in the match but was denied by Alisson’s foot in what was one of the saves of the season. Another with question marks over his head, it was a moment to prove why the Brazil No 1 is indispensable to Liverpool.

Salah and Robertson are rather similar – but they must somehow be replaced and this season must be swiftly moved on from.