wicked.football

Divock Origi could yet leave Liverpool this summer after Fenerbahce made a late play to take him to Turkey, according to reports.

Liverpool were largely focused on operations regarding the players currently among their ranks, rather than new signings, over the summer. In fact, they only added Ibrahima Konate to their squad as a new face. The rest of their work was on contract renewals for players they deem important, and finding solutions for those they do not.

Not all of their fringe players have departed, though. Origi is one of those who remains under contract despite the club looking for a buyer for him all summer. But the saga may not be over yet.

According to Fotospor in Turkey, Fenerbahce are in advanced talks to take the Belgian striker. The Turkish transfer window does not close until September 8th, so they can still make signings.

Fenerbahce have been seeking a striker all summer and have left it late to get one. But with Origi, they may have an opportunity.

It is claimed that the Super Lig side have been in discussions with Liverpool about acquiring the 26-year-old. Talks have occurred remotely to avoid quarantine issues, but the Fenerbahce president reportedly has a plane ready in England to transport Origi if all goes to plan.

Fotospor believe talks have been progressing positively and that Liverpool are indeed trying to send Origi to either Turkey or Russia, another country where the window remains open.

Fenerbahce may give him a specific exit route, and may be willing to accelerate proceedings. If they can complete the transfer by the end of the day, they can insert Origi into their UEFA squad list for the season. They will be playing in the Europa League after coming third in their domestic division last term.

Liverpool can only name a 24-man squad for the Premier League this season because they have used up the full allocation of non-homegrown slots in their squad. There could still be time for them to clear some space with a view to the future, though.

If Fotospor are to be believed, Origi’s situation could be developing rapidly. However, it remains to be seen if the forward will be able to secure an exit in time. Besides, sources closer to Liverpool do not seem to have the same information.

Subscribe for free to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter…

Origi has been a Liverpool player since 2015, when he returned from a loan spell back at former club Lille.

There have been 35 goals for Origi since, including some important goals on their journey to winning the Champions League in 2019. He hasn’t kicked on since then, though, and only found the net once – in an EFL Cup match – last season.

Origi urged to leave

Before the English deadline passed, former Liverpool forward John Aldridge advised Origi to find a new club when reflecting on the Reds’ business.

“I think Divock should go. I think he has a year left on his contract and Liverpool really need to try and get money for him,” Aldridge told the Liverpool Echo.

“But if he’s in a position where he wants to go for free, he’s entitled to let it run. When you’re a player, realise it’s not all about money.

“You don’t want to waste 12 months of your career, just sitting on the bench, coming on as a sub four or five times and getting the odd game.

“It’s a short life and you should just want to play football. The money they get now, it’s irrelevant. They get more than enough to keep them going, their children going and their grandchildren going.

“But if they want to let their contracts run out, they’re entitled to do it.”

Despite calling for Origi to go, Aldridge felt Liverpool could have done with another attacker.

“I’ve said all along that Liverpool need another attacking player. I feel like we’re missing out on goals upfront,” added Aldridge.

“We’re gone slightly stale up front. Jota came in and freshened things up a little bit last season but the players that you need, we can’t afford.

“Haaland is a player we need, in my opinion, and we’re not going to be able to afford him. If there’s anyone else out there, it’d be nice. We need someone to add competition up front.”

READ MORE: Pundit outlines major Liverpool fear as Anfield exit plan is detailed

The post Talks advancing rapidly as Liverpool transfer could yet go through imminently despite deadline passing – report appeared first on TEAMtalk.