Former Liverpool forward Divock Origi is set to become a free agent in January after reaching an agreement to terminate his contract with AC Milan. This development comes just hours following news that Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has suffered a leg fracture, leaving the club in a precarious position regarding their attacking options as the January transfer window approaches.
Liverpool confirmed on the evening of December 4, 2023, that Isak sustained his injury during a match against Tottenham Hotspur. The injury occurred following a challenge by Spurs defender Micky van de Ven. Isak has since undergone surgery and is expected to be sidelined for several months. This setback is a significant blow for both the player and the club, as manager Arne Slot acknowledged in a press conference: “It’s going to be a long injury. A couple of months. That’s a big, big disappointment for him and also for us.”
With the transfer window set to open in just nine days, Slot may look to bolster the squad to address the gap left by Isak’s absence. The urgency is palpable, as Liverpool seeks to maintain its competitive edge in the league.
According to multiple reports, including Sky Sport Italia, Origi’s contract termination with AC Milan has been finalized, making him available at no cost this winter. The 30-year-old forward’s time in Italy has not been as fruitful as anticipated, totaling only 36 appearances and scoring just two goals since his arrival in 2022. Following a disappointing loan spell with Nottingham Forest in 2024, where he struggled to make an impact, a resolution had been sought for some time regarding his future.
Before his challenges in Italy, Origi solidified his legacy at Liverpool, famously contributing several unforgettable goals during Jurgen Klopp‘s tenure. His standout moments include a last-minute winner in the 2018 Merseyside derby, where an unusual sequence allowed him to score after a deflection off the crossbar.
Moreover, he played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s historic 2019 UEFA Champions League campaign. Origi scored two crucial goals, including the iconic “corner taken quickly” goal that helped Liverpool overcome a three-goal deficit against Barcelona in the semi-finals. He then netted the decisive goal in the final against Tottenham, securing the club’s sixth Champions League title.
As Liverpool navigates the challenges posed by Isak’s injury, the club’s next steps in the transfer market remain uncertain. When questioned about his plans moving forward, Slot emphasized the immediate focus on the upcoming matches: “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.”
With Origi now available as a free agent, Liverpool may consider reuniting with the forward as they confront a critical period in the season. The next few weeks will be pivotal in determining how the club responds to its current challenges and aims to strengthen its squad for the remainder of the campaign.
