Liverpool should not sell Divock Origi to Monaco, Lyon or anyone else this summer, even as part of a deal for Alexandre Lacazette.
Liverpool’s Divock Origi celebrates scoring their third goal
According to reports from France, Olympique Lyonnais are interested in signing Divock Origi from Liverpool this summer as they look to prepare for the departure of Alexandre Lacazette.
Olympique-et-lyonnais.com say that the Reds’ summer recruitment means Origi could struggle for game time in 2017/18 and they are ready to give him another chance in Ligue 1.
Liverpool’s Divock Origi in action with Mainz’s Leon Balogun
Not only that, but ESPN report that reigning French champions Monaco are also interested in the Belgium international, but Liverpool should not be tempted to sell.
That is because Origi showed over the last 12 months that he can operate well in Juergen Klopp’s system and at 22-years-old, could easily develop to become a key part of it.
With talkSPORT one of many publications linking the Merseyside club with a move for Lyon topscorer Lacazette, it would be tempting to use the Belgian as part of a deal to land him.
Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette celebrates scoring
Yet if Klopp really wants to challenge in the Premier League, Champions League and two cup competitions next term, he needs a squad with strength and depth and Origi would be a vital part of that.
While 11 goals from 43 appearances in all competitions may be a fairly modest return for the Belgium international in 2016/17, that was mostly from the bench and his work rate and willingness to be involved in the buildup play makes him a great asset in a 4-3-3 gegenpressing system.
Roberto Firmino has mostly lead the attack under Klopp, while the addition of at least one more striker is expected over the summer, but with the ability to also play out wide then Origi should be kept at Anfield ahead of, say, Daniel Sturridge.
Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge
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