AC Milan legend Demetrio Albertini believes the Serie A giants should raid Premier League challengers Liverpool for Divock Origi, speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport.
If Stefano Pioli’s rejuvenated Rossoneri were planning to make a move for Origi during the January transfer window, well, the phrase ‘barking up the wrong tree’ comes to mind.
Jurgen Klopp will be without Sadio Mane and top scorer Mohamed Salah during the next couple of weeks, with both players jetting out to the African Cup of Nations.
That means Origi, who’s scored two goals in just 38 minutes of Premier League football this season, could be thrust into the limelight – not to mention the starting XI – ahead of upcoming fixtures against the likes of Brentford and Crystal Palace.
Origi’s long-term future at Anfield remains less certain, however, with his contract expiring in the summer.
Will Divock Origi leave Liverpool in 2022?
According to Tuttomercatoweb, his superb performance during Liverpool’s 2-1 Champions League victory at the San Siro in December left a lasting impression on the seven-time European champions.
AC Milan have identified Origi as someone capable of enhancing an attack containing 35-year-old Olivier Giroud and a 40-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“Reinforcements in attack? I would focus on the June market,” says Albertini, who won five Serie A titles and three European cups in red-and-white.
“Ibrahimovic’s heir must be identified and purchased. I’d like a striker like (Dusan) Vlahovic, young and with 20 goals per season. (Someone) of this type.”
With far more moneyed clubs on Vlahovic’s trail – including a number of Premier League big-hitters – the chances of Fiorentina’s Serbian talisman ending up at the San Siro looks slim.
As Albertini points out, a cheaper, more attainable option is required.
“Milan has to focus on forwards like this, strong but (struggling for games) at their club. I think of Liverpool’s Origi, he would score a lot in Serie A,” Albertini adds.
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