Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister appeared to bid goodbye to the Seagulls after Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa, with manager Roberto De Zerbi expecting him and fellow midfielder Moises Caicedo to leave.
The Argentina World Cup winner played for the full 90 minutes of the clash at Villa Park, where the hosts' win has confirmed that they will play Europa Conference League football next season.
After the match Mac Allister broke down in tears as he was surrounded by his teammates, before waving to away fans as he made his way towards the tunnel.
De Zerbi put his arm around the midfielder and pointed towards him as fans sang his name.
After the match De Zerbi said: “I think it can be the last game for Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo. It is right that they can leave, they can play at higher level.”
Mac Allister has been strongly linked with a summer move to Liverpool, with the Reds expected to step up their interest in the 24-year-old in the coming weeks.
Jurgen Klopp is hoping to bring in several new signings this summer, with midfield a particular area of interest following the free transfer exits of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, along with forward Roberto Firmino.
Milner and Firmino started Sunday's crazy 4-4 draw at Southampton, with the Brazilian scoring his side's second goal of the game.
Veteran midfielder Milner has been strongly linked with a move to Brighton, and could end up replacing Mac Allister should a deal be completed.
First-half strikes from Douglas Luiz and Ollie Watkins ensured Villa finished seventh in the Premier League with their win over Brighton.
Deniz Undav pulled one back – having also had a goal disallowed for offside – but the Seagulls were unable to find a leveller.
Seventh represents a triumph for Villa boss Unai Emery, having taken over a relegation-threatened side in October following Steven Gerrard’s sacking.
Villa have been transformed, booking their highest Premier League finish for 13 years, and with it a route into the Europa Conference League.
The Seagulls, in Sky Bet League One 12 years ago, are heading to Europe for the first time following their historic season.
Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey was delighted with the Conference League qualification.
"It's unbelievable, when I woke up on my birthday this morning this is all I wanted. Two assists, three points and European football again," he said.
"It's tough to put a finger on what the manager has changed. We had talent in the squad but since he came in he has put his foot down and put pressure on us. They have brought in their own identity and style of play."
