Winger, Once Termed Liverpool Legend By Klopp, Could Leave Reds Amid Jota’s Form

Liverpool FC boss Jurgen Klopp reportedly could loan out Divock Origi at the upcoming January transfer window amid his struggles and new signing Diogo Jota’s excellent form.

Origi, who was once termed "Liverpool legend" by Klopp, is yet to feature for The Reds in the Premier League this season, and the Dutch publication Voetbal24 has suggested the Belgium national could leave the Anfield side when the transfer window re-opens in January.

The report has also stated with Club Brugge failing with an approach in the summer, the Belgian club could try again at the upcoming window and it would be an ideal destination for Origi.

It is believed Origi would be eager to bag a place in Belgium’s Euro 2021 squad, and, hence, would want to increase his playing time by leaving the reigning Premier League champions.

The 25-year-old winger, who played The Reds' senior back-up to their starry front-three of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, and Roberto Firmino last season due to Xherdan Shaqir’s injury woes, has fallen to the fourth spot in the pecking order of the back-ups. As of now, the covers for Klopp’s front-three are Shaqiri, Jota, and Takumi Minamino.

Out of the 28 matches, Origi played in 2019-20, Origi started in only seven of those, while he scored seven goals and provided three assists.

In the Champions League, Origi featured in Liverpool’s starting XI once, but he failed to score or set up any goal in the European tournament as defending champions Liverpool crashed out after a Round of 16 loss to Atletico Madrid.

Origi, who had scored in the semi-final and final of Liverpool’s title-winning Champions League campaign in 2018-19, has struggled to perform and Jota’s $53 million-arrival from Wolves to Anfield has further lowered Origi’s chances at Liverpool. The 23-year-old winger has already netted three goals in eight appearances for Klopp’s side in the ongoing season.

The Portugal national’s last two goals came in crucial situations. In Liverpool’s previous Premier League fixture, which was against Sheffield United, the away side went 1-0 up after scoring via a penalty. Firmino netted an equalizer just before the half-time break before Jota scored the 64th-minute winner to earn Liverpool three important points.

Jota also scored Liverpool’s opening goal in their recent 2-0 win over Midtjylland in the Champions League.