Lucas Leiva is now set to stay at Liverpool FC beyond the closing of the summer transfer window after Brendan Rodgers hailed him as the best defensive midfielder in his squad.
The out of favour Brazilian seemed to be set for a loan spell with Besiktas but after helping the Reds to a hard-earned 0-0 draw against Arsenal on Monday, he looks set to stay.
The 28-year-old, who has been at Anfield for eight years seemed to have waved goodbye to the Liverpool supporters at the Emirates Stadium, as he made way for Jordan Rossiter late on.
But Rodgers was eager to assure fans that he will remain an important figure in the Reds' squad this season, despite concerns over his long-term future.
Lucas remains an important figure says Reds boss
The Northern Irishman claimed that Lucas is the club's "best defensive midfielder" - explaining his recent absences from the squads against Stoke City and Bournemouth as down to the fact that there are fixtures in which he will play three midfielders, and a "specific defensive one."
He added that when they do need a more reserved midfielder, Lucas is the best that they have - describing his impact in the goalless draw against the Gunners as a "great job."
Rodgers also said that the experienced midfielder remains "very much part" of what Liverpool want to do this year, before saying that "every player wants to play every minute of every game" - which is something he cannot guarantee.
He labelled Lucas as "very important" to the Reds and a "highly-respected" member of the squad in the minds of himself, the coaching staff and his team-mates.
Besiktas reportedly remain confident that they can still strike a deal for the veteran, though Lucas could be set to turn things around and earn his place in the squad back a third time since arriving from Gremio in 2007.
Rodgers offers Lallana and Henderson injury updates
Lucas helped fill in for injured captain Jordan Henderson, who missed out with a troubling injury, whilst Adam Lallana joined Joe Allen (hamstring) out on the sidelines with a thigh injury.
With long-term absentee Jon Flanagan out for at least a few months and Daniel Sturridge, who missed the end of last season and their pre-season after hip surgery, due to return to training next week - Rodgers revealed that Henderson and Lallana will be assessed throughout the week prior to their clash against West Ham United.
He said Liverpool will "wait and see" over the next week or so, admitting it was "disappointing" for them both to be out against Arsenal, but said that their replacements had "done well."