Divock Origi could move away from Liverpool in the January window, with French side Lens expressing strong interest in the Belgian forward.
According to Fichajes, Divock Origi could be on the move in January, with many sides expressing an interest in him, while French side Lens are looking like firm favourites. The Belgian forward was expected to leave Liverpool in the summer but stayed put after no moves materialised.
Origi joined Liverpool back in 2014 after successful spells, first with Genk’s and later with LOSC Lille’s youth systems. He was then considered a great prospect and brought in promise for the future. However, things at Merseyside have not gone to plan for the 27-year-old, who is struggling with minimal playing time.
Jurgen Klopp has never been shy to praise Origi for his performances, but the manager is helpless in not picking him regularly with the forward options he has at his disposal. The Belgian has never rattled the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane or Roberto Firmino. At the same time, the arrival of Diogo Jota last summer pushed him further down the pecking order.
Origi cemented his place in the Liverpool folklore after being one of the heroes of the extraordinary comeback at Anfield against Barcelona. After that, he scored Liverpool’s second goal in the Champions League final against Tottenham. He also played a bit-part role in the club’s Premier League triumph.
However, in light of far reduced game time at Liverpool, the Belgian was looking to move on, given his contract ends in 2022. The Reds hold a performance-related option over an extension, but that is unlikely to be exercised considering Origi is hardly playing.
He did start against AC Milan during Liverpool’s midweek Champions League victory and provided an assist. Ever since, interest has mounted as the Belgian proved his sharpness and match fitness. Liverpool might look to cash in during the January window, or the player might leave as a free agent next summer.
There was significant interest from Premier League sides during the summer. West Ham, Crystal Palace were among the clubs keen on signing him but baulked at Liverpool’s asking price for the striker. These sides could come back in the January window, while the interest from Ligue 1 side Lens seems genuine.
Lens manager Franck Haise likes Origi very much and reportedly urged his club to make a move as soon as January. The reported price tag quoted is about €12 million, which is significantly lower than Liverpool’s asking price in the summer. The higher valuation could be just for Premier League sides in general.
It remains to be seen if Lens are serious about their pursuit of Origi and would meet Liverpool’s valuation. Either way, Origi could leave the club in January as the Reds would want to recoup some transfer fees for a striker very much entering his prime than letting him go on a free transfer next summer.
