Following an impressive string of performances for Belgium at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, a 19-year-old Divock Origi put pen to paper in a five-year deal that would see him join Liverpool from Lille upon the conclusion of the next season and a loan-back agreement.
Few could have predicted back then that eight years later, Origi would be responsible for some of the most important moments in the Red’s recent history, having scored some truly remarkable goals.
The end of Liverpool’s current campaign will call time on the now 27-year-old’s stay at Anfield, with the striker reportedly having agreed terms to join Italian Serie A outfit AC Milan once his contract expires. As a result, this Sunday’s Premier League final day clash with Wolves, that could yet see Jurgen Klopp’s men crowned champions, will be Origi’s last in front of the Kop.
Origi had possessed a one year extension clause in his Liverpool contract, but failed to make enough appearances throughout season to trigger it.
Jurgen Klopp told Sky Sports
”He is a legend, one of the most important players I ever had.”
Some of Origi’s most notable moments include his brace against Barcelona in Liverpool’s 2019 champions league semi-final comeback victory; as a result of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s famous ‘corner taken quickly’, his goal from the bench to put the Red’s two clear versus Tottenham in the final of that same tournament, and an injury time winner against Everton in the Merseyside derby.
The Belgian’s honours in the North West of England include the Champions League, UEFA Supercup, FIFA Club World Cup, and Liverpool’s long awaited first league title for 30 years. As well as both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup so far this season, with Liverpool still pushing for a historic quadruple by taking the Premier League down to the wire and booking their place in a third European Cup final in five years.
Origi will look to gain more minutes in Italy and establish himself as a leading man in Milan, with his gametime at Anfield set only to decline due to Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino, and a more central Sadio Mane all being ahead of him in the pecking order.
Origi’s contributions during the Klopp era have made him a certified fan favourite and his departure will be regarded as a sad one.
Divock Origi has elevated himself from being a talented youngster and a forgotten man out on loan, to a cult hero, and now finally, undoubtedly, to a Liverpool legend.
