London: Divock Origi could be allowed to leave Liverpool ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline after slipping down the pecking order. The Belgian striker is yet to start a game this season and has made only one substitute appearance, in the 3-3 draw with Watford.
Origi was not even on the bench for the Champions League qualifying victory over Hoffenheim this week as Jurgen Klopp preferred Daniel Sturridge and Dominic Solanke as his substitute forwards. Without first-team club football, he now fears missing out on a place in Belgium’s World Cup squad.
Liverpool have indicated they may let the 22-year-old leave in the next few days if they can complete the business they are looking to do. They are interested in Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and have other targets.
Tottenham Hotspur could resume their pursuit of Origi. Marseille have also shown an interest and Anderlecht would be keen to take him back to Belgium on loan.
Since signing for Liverpool from Lille for 10 million pounds (Dh47 million) three years ago, Origi has hit 12 goals in just 21 Premier League starts and last season scored in five successive appearances in all competitions over November and December.
Klopp has always spoken positively about him and would ideally like to keep him for Liverpool’s combined Premier League and Champions League campaigns this season. But there is also an acceptance at Anfield that Origi should be rewarded for his patience in waiting for first-team chances.
Klopp, meanwhile, has reflected on the 24 hours of turmoil that threatened to derail his club’s Champions League ambitions. He had to contend with the loss to injury of Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho — significant setbacks in the midst of the European qualifier with Hoffenheim. Barcelona’s attempts to sign Coutinho were also an unwanted distraction.
But Klopp took particular satisfaction at his players’ reaction to adversity. He said: “The team have handled it all brilliantly so far.”
Klopp believes Liverpool’s reclaiming of Champions League status will be the platform to elevate them to greater levels.
“It is very important for us,” he added. “It builds confidence. You gain experience from winning or losing games, but you want the kind of experience we have now. “You always have to make the next step, and that’s what we did.”
