Former Liverpool striker Divock Origi will be available as a free agent in January after agreeing to terminate his contract with AC Milan.
Former Liverpool forward Divock Origi is set to become a free agent in January after reaching an agreement to terminate his deal with AC Milan. The news regarding the Anfield favourite emerges just hours after confirmation of a crushing injury setback to striker Alexander Isak.
Liverpool revealed on Monday evening the extent of Isak’s injury sustained whilst netting the opener in Saturday’s 2-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur. A challenge from Spurs defender Micky van de Ven resulted in a leg fracture, requiring surgery and leaving the forward facing several months out of action.
The injury leaves the Reds one man down in attack, though with the January transfer window opening in just nine days, Arne Slot could potentially seek to address this issue. Discussing Isak’s injury on Tuesday, the Liverpool boss said: “It’s going to be a long injury. A couple of months. That’s a big, big big disappointment for him and also for us.”
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Sky Sport Italia, along with other outlets report that Origi has finalised his contract termination with Milan. The 30-year-old will be available without any transfer fee this winter, bringing an end to a difficult chapter in his career.
The Belgian striker arrived at the San Siro following the expiry of his Liverpool contract in 2022. The switch proved unsuccessful as he managed just 36 appearances, finding the net twice during that period.
He has been excluded from the squad since last December after an underwhelming loan stint with Premier League side Nottingham Forest. During his time at the City Ground, he scored just once in 22 appearances.
However, before his struggles in Italy, Origi carved his place in Anfield folklaw with a series of important strikes during the Jurgen Klopp years.
The first was a dramatic 96th-minute Merseyside derby decider in 2018. The goal Virgil van Dijk hammer a half-volley against Everton’s crossbar, the ball rebounded twice and keeper Jordan Pickford couldn’t manage to clear, gifting Origi a simple header at the goal-line.
Next came the forward’s crucial interventions during the Reds’ march to their sixth European Cup triumph in 2019.
He netted twice, including Liverpool’s iconic “corner taken quickly” effort that completed a stunning 4-3 aggregate fightback against Barcelona at Anfield in the semi-final. He then found the net in the final against Tottenham to clinch victory.
It’s yet to be determined what steps Liverpool will pursue in the forthcoming transfer window following Isak’s injury setback. When Slot was questioned about his intentions, he replied: “My only thoughts are on the upcoming two games. It’s a time for our players and fans to roll their sleeves up to help us in the best possible way.”
