Liverpool striker Divock Origi has reportedly turned down a contract offer from Newcastle United as he wishes to join AC Milan in the summer.
According to Calciomercato, Liverpool forward Divock Origi rejected a contract proposal from Newcastle United in favour of a summer transfer to Serie A title challengers AC Milan.
Origi has been on Liverpool’s books since 2014 when he signed from LOSC Lille. However, the Belgian international has never been able to nail down a starting berth at Anfield. Despite that, the 27-year-old has attained cult hero status among the Kop faithful thanks to his valuable contributions to the Reds’ success in the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League in the past.
Origi has hardly been a regular in the ongoing campaign either, featuring just 17 times in all competitions. Despite that, he has produced a solid return of six goals and four assists. And with his contract running down at the end of the season, the former Lille forward is all set to bring an end to his Liverpool career.
Given his age, proven pedigree and goalscoring acumen, there has been no shortage of suitors for Origi. However, reports in March claimed that the 26-year-old had reached an agreement to sign for AC Milan at the end of the ongoing campaign.
Despite that, several clubs are still harbouring hopes of signing Origi, with Newcastle United being one such suitor. The Magpies are in the market for a new striker as Chris Wood has failed to deliver goals at the expected rate since arriving from Burnley during the January transfer window.
Callum Wilson’s injury history makes him an unreliable option as well and with Newcastle’s new owners having high ambitions, bringing in a new goalscoring forward to St. James’ Park is a necessity this summer. Origi, to that end, seemingly emerged as a target, with the Tyneside outfit even presenting the Liverpool forward with a contract offer.
However, as per the report, Origi has turned down the proposal from Newcastle United and another one from an unnamed German club as he has given his word to join AC Milan. The 26-year-old Liverpool ace will be penning a four-year contract worth €4 million per season with the Rossoneri, adding some young blood to the ageing strikeforce comprising Olivier Giroud and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
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As for Newcastle, they will have to look elsewhere for a new striker, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen presenting himself as a top target for Eddie Howe’s side.
