Liverpool are famous for their last-minute winners, one of which was scored by Divock Origi against Wolves in December last year. The two extra point earned in that late, late victory could yet prove crucial as the Reds aim to win a 20th league title.
Despite his cult hero status, it looks as if the Belgian’s eight-year stay at Anfield is coming to an end.
Transfer oracle Fabrizio Romano tweeted: ‘AC Milan have already made a proposal to sign Divock Origi on a free transfer. He’s not extending the contract with Liverpool, current deal expires in June and AC Milan are pushing to complete the agreement.’
Another player linked with a move away from Merseyside is defender Sepp van den Berg. The Dutchman has been on loan at Preston North End for the last two seasons. The indications are both parties would be favourable towards a permanent move.
On the latest episode of our Journo Insight Show, we asked goal.com’s Neil Jones if he believed there was any truth to the rumours.
Neil said, about Origi:
“He’s a bit of a fashion head as well isn’t he, Divock? So, Milan might be the ideal move! He’s going to have a lot of options. I imagine there are a lot of clubs looking at Divock Origi out of contract. He’s going to have options. He’s going to decide his future in terms of where he goes. He’s had options in the past and he’s not fancied it, Wolves being the most obvious. I think there were some last summer and this latest window. Maybe Milan would be the perfect one. I think it’s a destination; the wages are good, the style of football is good, Milan are going for the title, likely to be in the Champions League next season. It would be a good move for him. I don’t think he’s going to stay at Liverpool.”
On van den Berg, he said:
“Ryan Lowe said it himself, I know he’s happy with him, why wouldn’t he be? Sepp van den Berg is closing in on 75/80 professional games at 20, which for a defender is pretty good. He’s getting good experience under his belt. I think he’ll get preseason with Liverpool and see what he can do. You’ve got Nat Phillips there coming back, you’ve Rhys Williams still knocking around. Joe Gomez is probably the biggest question mark in that regard. Even if Joe Gomez leaves, I don’t think he’s going to be replaced by Sepp van den Berg. He’s happy at Preston, he’s getting games. It might be an ideal move for him.”
Redmen Reacts
It does feel like Divock has reached the end of the road at Liverpool. Despite still offering a different type of threat from the bench, Origi is now either sixth or seventh choice in attacking areas. AC Milan would be a tempting offer for any footballer, and Big Div may be tempted by the allure of joining a European giant rather than taking a well-paid contract at a bottom-half Premier League side.
Sepp van den Berg is yet to put in a commanding performance in a red shirt, which is understandable for such a young centre-half, but is very unlikely to find first team opportunities forthcoming. He is playing regularly and impressing his manager at Preston, so a permanent move there or to another Championship side would likely be best for his career. Hopefully, Divock Origi still has another big moment in him. If another corner is taken quickly between now and the end of the season, you know who will be waiting for it!
