Liverpool Striker Crisis Sparks Opportunity for Divock Origi After AC Milan Contract Termination

Former Liverpool striker Divock Origi is set to become a free agent in January after agreeing to terminate his contract with AC Milan.

The news surrounding the Anfield cult hero emerges just as the Reds grapple with a significant injury to their star forward, Alexander Isak.

On Monday, Liverpool confirmed that Alexander Isak suffered a leg fracture during Saturday's 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, an injury sustained in a challenge with defender Micky van de Ven. The striker has since undergone surgery and is expected to be sidelined for several months.

The injury leaves Liverpool with fewer options in attack as the January transfer window approaches. Addressing the situation on Tuesday, manager Arne Slot expressed his disappointment. "It's going to be a long injury. A couple of months," he said. "That's a big, big disappointment for him and also for us."

With the transfer window opening in just nine days, reports from multiple outlets, including Sky Sport Italia, indicate that Divock Origi has finalised his departure from Milan. The 30-year-old will be available at no cost, bringing an end to a difficult period in his career.

The Belgian international moved to the San Siro in 2022 after his Liverpool contract expired, but the transfer failed to ignite. He made only 36 appearances for the Italian club, scoring just twice.

After an unsuccessful loan spell at Nottingham Forest, he was frozen out of the Milan squad in December 2024, making a mutual separation inevitable.

Before his struggles in Italy, Divock Origi secured a legendary status at Anfield with a series of crucial goals under Jürgen Klopp. His most memorable moments include a dramatic 96th-minute winner in the 2018 Merseyside derby against Everton, where he capitalised on a goalkeeping error from Jordan Pickford.

He also played a pivotal role in Liverpool's 2019 Champions League triumph. Origi scored twice in the historic semi-final comeback against Barcelona, including the famous ‘corner taken quickly’ goal, before sealing the 2-0 victory over Tottenham in the final.

It is unclear whether Liverpool will pursue a new signing in January following Alexander Isak's injury. When asked about his transfer plans, Arne Slot remained focused on the immediate future.

"My only thoughts are on the upcoming two games," he stated. "It's a time for our players and fans to roll up their sleeves to help us in the best possible way."