Liverpool Weigh Forward Options as Divock Origi Prepares AC Milan Exit

Liverpool find themselves short of attacking options with the new Premier League season underway, and the urgency to recruit a forward is growing. Arne Slot’s first summer at Anfield brought promise, but the squad’s balance has been disrupted following key departures and one devastating loss.

Origi’s AC Milan Struggles

Divock Origi remains a name that resonates with Liverpool supporters, remembered for his decisive goals in the 2018/19 Champions League campaign. His strikes in both the semi-final and final ensured his place in Anfield folklore, even if he was never a regular starter.

When he moved to AC Milan in 2022, the hope was that he would find consistent football at the highest level. Instead, the Belgian forward’s time in Italy has stalled. Reports from Gazzetta dello Sport suggest he is now “very close” to terminating his contract early, despite having a year left to run. Origi has not played for Milan since June 2023, spending the entirety of the 2024/25 campaign away from the first-team environment and training alone.

According to the same outlet, AC Milan will pay around half of his remaining salary to facilitate his release. It marks a disappointing end to a chapter that promised more when he first arrived at San Siro.

Liverpool’s Attacking Puzzle

Liverpool’s transfer window has seen major changes in the frontline. Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez were sold, and the club suffered the tragic loss of Diogo Jota in July. Only Hugo Ekitike has been added to the attacking unit, leaving questions about depth in a squad competing on four fronts.

Slot has prioritised Alexander Isak as his first-choice target, but Newcastle United are standing firm. With the Swede unlikely to move, the search for alternatives has become more pressing. Liverpool traditionally operated with at least five forwards during the peak years of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah. At present, the numbers do not reflect those standards.

Why Liverpool Will not Turn to Origi

Despite Origi’s availability, there is little prospect of a return to Anfield. While supporters hold warm memories of his crucial interventions, his recent lack of playing time and form make him a poor fit for Liverpool’s current project.

At 30, Origi could yet revive his career in another European league, but Liverpool require forwards who can immediately contribute at the highest level. Slot’s plans revolve around building a team capable of sustaining challenges domestically and in Europe, and that demands reliability, sharpness and durability.

Origi will always be regarded fondly by Liverpool fans, but the club’s focus is firmly on the future.