Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor thinks Liverpool striker Divock Origi would be a “perfect” signing for West Ham United.
The Hammers have reportedly opened initial talks with Liverpool for Divock Origi, whose Anfield career is uncertain after a poor 2020/21 campaign. The Belgian striker, 26, who signed a long-term contract in the summer of 2019 after playing a crucial role in the Merseysiders’ Champions League triumph, endured an injury-hit last campaign that limited him to just 17 appearances across all formats.
Liverpool were understood to be asking around £20m for Origi in January but there was no club willing to fork out that amount of money. According to Football Insider, the Reds have slashed down the price and any club splashing £15m for the 26-year-old could see a deal materialise.
And Gabby Agbonlahor feels Divock Origi would be a smart addition to the Hammers’ ranks, whilst being an ideal back-up option to Michail Antonio.
Divock Origi to West Ham—an ideal signing for David Moyes?
After a successful last campaign that saw West Ham qualify for European football, David Moyes needs a bigger squad to compete on all fronts this time around.
The east London club have so far only added goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain and signed defender Craig Dawson on a permanent deal. After strengthening the options at the back, David Moyes must quickly turn his attention towards addressing the other problems in his squad.
One of the Hammers’ biggest priorities has to be bringing in a new striker before the transfer window slams shut. Following the sale of Sebastien Haller to Ajax in January, Michail Antonio shouldered the responsibility of leading West Ham’s attack. While he did very well last season, linking superbly with the other attackers and scoring goals, Antonio has a wretched injury record and is in his 30s.
Moyes cannot rely on Antonio to stay fit for the entire season and keep firing on all cylinders. The Scottish tactician clearly needs more options up front to remain competitive on all fronts this season and Liverpool’s Divock Origi would be a smart fit at the London Stadium.
Origi’s Liverpool career hasn’t hit the heights as many expected it to, chiefly due to injury problems, fitness issues and chronic lack of consistency. At 26, however, the forward is entering the prime stage of his career and needs to be playing week in, week out to fulfil the promise he showed as a teenager with LOSC Lille that prompted Liverpool to buy him back in 2014.
At West Ham, the Belgian international could get the opportunity to enjoy regular football. Moyes has shown an uncanny ability to improve players throughout his managerial career, and the player’s camp should remain confident that he can mould Divock Origi into a more well-rounded player.
With his pace and movement, Origi would offer the Hammers attack a different dimension. He would cover and compete with Antonio as well, providing the 31-year-old with much-needed rest and recovery time between games in what could potentially be a long season for West Ham.
All in all, West Ham splashing £15m to sign Origi from Liverpool would represent a shrewd piece of business.