Divock Origi has given his word to AC Milan that he will be joining them after his Liverpool contract expires, despite Newcastle attempting to hijack the deal, a report claims.
Origi is a popular player at Liverpool but his time with the club is nearing its end. Far down their attacking pecking order, it is time for him to flourish elsewhere. Milan have been leading the race for his signature for some time.
The Serie A side are looking for a younger attacker to help support veteran leaders like Olivier Giroud and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. In fact, the latter is out of contract this summer too. On a free transfer, 27-year-old Origi appeals as a successor.
But a potential change of ownership at Milan has put the brakes on a move for the time being.
Still, things have been progressing in the right direction. Now, Calciomercato claim Origi has informed Milan director – and club legend – Paolo Maldini that he will be signing for them.
In doing so, he has turned down other lucrative proposals from clubs in the Premier League and Bundesliga. The report names Newcastle United as another club who have tried to sign him.
Chris Wood joined Newcastle in January during their first transfer window since their Saudi-backed takeover. They could be on the lookout for another forward to pair him with ahead of the new season.
Origi has Premier League experience – albeit not a great deal as a starter – so could have fit the bill. What’s more, Newcastle’s wealth means they could have put together a tempting wage offer.
Instead, the Belgium international will sign a four-year contract worth €4million per season (around £65,000 per week) in Milan. Bonuses will also come into play.
Having played a key part on Liverpool’s route to Champions League glory in 2019, he will wait until after this season’s final against Real Madrid before putting pen to paper on the contract.
Once that time comes, Origi will be the first of four or five new signings expected for the Rossoneri ahead of the new season. They will be hoping to welcome any new faces into a title-winning squad, although they still have work to do to confirm top spot in Serie A.
For now, Origi will be focusing on his own medal pursuits with Liverpool. Even if he is unlikely to feature prominently, there are two cup finals for his current club – who already won the Carabao Cup this season – to look forward to before he leaves.
Origi set on Serie A success
At this stage of his career, the time is right for Origi to find somewhere he can play more regularly. No one at Liverpool will begrudge him that opportunity and his iconic status will forever be embedded within the club.
Newcastle may have been an interesting option for him to consider. But it is admirable that he is sticking to his plan of signing for Milan.
Divock Origi in advanced talks with AC Milan
Divock Origi looks set for Italy switch as AC Milan talks advance
He will have to fight for his place there too; Giroud has done well since joining them from Chelsea. However, he seems to be the perfect profile for what they want.
His first taste of Serie A football may be an interesting transition, but his focus in rejecting other suitors shows his mindset is in the right place.
It will then be up to Origi to prove his worth on the pitch. There will be much intrigue as to what he can achieve with more frequent involvements.
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