Aston Villa could reportedly make a move for Liverpool striker Divock Origi, as they look to add more quality to their team.
Origi, who was instrumental in Liverpool winning the Champions League last year by scoring goals in the semi-final and final, found playing time hard to come by in the recently concluded Premier League campaign.
As per The Sun, Aston Villa – who narrowly avoided relegation – are keen on signing the Belgian.
Liverpool may allow him to leave as they can use the money from his transfer to strengthen their squad. The 25-year-old forward signed a new deal with the Reds last year, which will now expire in 2024.
Origi has been with the Reds since 2014, joining the club from Lille in 2014 for £10 million. He has made 140 appearances for the club, scoring 34 goals and making 12 assists.
Divock Origi to Aston Villa – A smashing move by Dean Smith?
One area of the pitch that Dean Smith’s team struggled in the 2019-20 season – their first season back in the Premier League – was upfront.
Wesley, who was brought in for a club-record fee ahead of the 2019-20 season, did not impress in his first season at the club, as he scored just 5 times in 21 games. He suffered an injury in January that kept him out for the rest of the season as well.
His replacement, Mbwana Samatta, who was signed from Genk in the January transfer window, also did not score many, finding the back of the net just once in 14 Premier League appearances.
It’s quite clear that Villa need an experienced Premier League centre-forward, who could keep them in the league, and then help them climb up the table.
Origi could be a fantastic signing for Villa. The Belgian may not have become a starter for Liverpool, but that was an almost improbable task considering the firepower that manager Jurgen Klopp has at his disposal.
Origi’s good movement off the ball, as well as his decent finishing, could be a big boost for Villa. His prior Premier League experience will also help him settle down quickly at Aston Villa.
He is also a hard-working player who is versatile, capable of playing out wide or upfront on his own. Origi is still just 25 years of age and has a lot to offer to any Premier League club that signs him.