Liverpool’s title hopes have taken a dent over the Christmas period, with a relentless Manchester City side building up a commanding points lead. Back in early December, the Reds kept the pressure on at the top thanks to a last-minute winner against Wolves by Divock Origi. The big Belgian has often been linked with the Anfield exit door, but has become a cult hero by popping up and scoring some crucial goals.
The 26-year-old’s contract is due to expire in the summer, but goal.com’s Neil Jones has suggested that the end of Origi’s Liverpool career may not yet be in sight.
On the latest episode of our Journo Insight Show, we asked Neil for an update on the Divock Origi’s contract situation and if Liverpool will trigger a reported clause to extend the deal.
It turns out, Liverpool don’t have that choice right now, as Neil tied us when he dropped this big piece of information about that clause:
Neil said:
“It depends on appearances. He would have to be available and playing games. He’s played ten [games]. It’s usually 20/25 [to trigger another 12 months]. He’s out of contract as it stands, but Liverpool have the option based on appearances. I think he would sign it and maybe do the extra year, but we’ll see what kind of offers come in.
Nat [Phillips] has been speaking to Sky and saying ‘I’d like to play football’, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but you don’t really see that with Divock Origi. I still think he’s a valuable player, a valuable squad member, obviously very popular. How many more years can you get out of Divock Origi’s 15 games a season? As much as I like him and so many fans will love him, I think he’s got two Premier League goals in a season and a half – it’s not the biggest currency in the world.”
Redmen Reacts
When Divock Origi headed in from a yard against Everton in 2018, he completed the greatest personal comeback since Elvis Presley in 1968.
His substitute appearance that day was greeted with a chorus of ‘does he still play for us?!’ from the fans. Just over three years on and Origi is still making cameo appearances in a red shirt. After the journey he has been on, it would seem a shame to lose him for free at the end of the season.
The unconvincing displays of Takumi Minamino would suggest that when Big Div gets back to full fitness, he may well play enough games to trigger a twelve-month contract extension. Never the most gifted player in the world, his direct running and knack for being in the right place at the right time mean he remains an option from the bench. The Belgian international has never been one to rock the boat about his lack of game time, so a 12-month extension to the Origi story could benefit both parties.
