Transfer News; Liverpool take a stance on this cult hero’s future at Anfield

Liverpool take Divock Origi transfer stance in January amid Newcastle United rumours

According to the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool have decided that they will not allow striker Divock Origi to leave for a cheap transfer fee amidst the ongoing January transfer window.

The Belgian forward is into his last few months on his Liverpool contract, and the Reds could lose him for free in the summer if they do not offload him in January.

Origi has been linked to several Italian clubs through January, but it is believed that newly rich Newcastle United are the ones who could be coming in with a bid for the 26-year-old striker.

Although Liverpool have not had an official bid come in for Origi from the Magpies, it is claimed that Newcastle are preparing a £7m bid to snap up the striker. He could prove to be pivotal as the Tyneside club look top stave off relegation.

Liverpool have kept an eye on Newcastle forking out an initial £12m – which could eventually rise to £25m with add-ons – for 31-year-old Kieran Trippier, who was also out of contract in the summer. Noting this, the Reds will not let Origi go cheaply for a bid as low as £7m for a 26-year-old who is in a similar situation to the former Atletico Madrid star.

It is interesting to see what Liverpool do with this Origi situation because they have no intention of selling the player this month. Nor have they received any word from the Belgian himself that he wants to leave during the transfer window.

With Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane unavailable for Liverpool’s next few fixtures due to their involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp will be hopeful of holding on to Origi and counting on him to supply the goals for his side.

The Origi transfer situation is certainly a confusing one, as we could lose out on a Liverpool cult hero for free in the summer and not recoup any money on him, or sell him for a fee in January when we know there is interest from other clubs willing to pay good money for the striker.

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The smart and obvious thing to do, however, is to hold on to our mercurial Belgian forward. With Salah and Mane unavailable, we need firepower upfront, and Origi is someone we can count on to turn up when it matters most.

Diogo Jota has been great up front, but he’s not a natural striker like Origi is. With Jota and Minamino expected to provide service from the width, Origi could well be the No. 9 we need to pull through the rest of the season and compete for silverware.