Liverpool are reportedly looking to tie down Belgian striker Divock Origi to a new long-term contract, following his heroics in the Champions League.
According to a report from the Mirror, Champions League winners Liverpool have put forth a new contract to striker Divock Origi, having been heavily impressed by his key contributions over the second half of the 2018-19 campaign.
Origi has been on Liverpool’s books since 2014 when they signed him from French outfit Lille. Having spent the 2014-15 term on loan with his former club, the Belgian was part of the Reds’ first-team setup for the next two seasons, but failed to establish himself as a regular, leading to another loan spell in 2017-18, this time with German side Wolfsburg.
The 24-year-old was strongly linked with an exit after returning from his loan spell last summer. However, he decided to stay put and fight for a place at Liverpool and while he did not get a lot of chances, Origi has managed to make an indelible mark when manager Jurgen Klopp has handed him with an opportunity to impress.
Origi managed just 21 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool, finishing with a return of 7 goals and a solitary assist. The Belgian international scored at an impressive rate of once every 96 minutes he was on the field, netting some very important goals along the way including late winners against Everton and Newcastle United.
However, Origi seemed to have reserved his best for the Champions League, where he netted twice in the epic comeback against Barcelona in the semi-final second leg at Anfield, before following it up with the all-important second goal in the final against Tottenham Hotspur this past weekend.
Origi’s current contract was set to expire in the summer of 2020. But, having made important contributions in Liverpool’s sixth European Cup triumph, Origi has seemingly convinced Klopp to retain his services beyond the next year, with the Reds offering the 24-year-old a new deal, in hope to tie him down on a long-term basis.
Speaking after the final in Madrid, Origi confirmed as much, saying: “There’s an offer for a new contract on the table. We will see after the international games, but I think there will be talks with the club.”
The 24-year-old is likely to pen a new deal with Liverpool, but will seek assurances over his playing time, having not played as regularly as he would have liked this past season.
Given that Daniel Sturridge will be leaving once his contract expires, it makes sense from Liverpool’s perspective as well to tie down the dynamic forward, who has made important contributions in their Champions League triumph, to a new long-term deal.
