Divock Origi provided another memorable moment in his eight-year Liverpool career on Sunday as the Belgium striker netted his sixth goal against Everton to help seal victory in the Merseyside derby.
But it now looks like the clock is ticking down on Origi's time at Liverpool as he enters the final few months of his contract at Anfield and looks set to move to pastures new having scored some big goals in big matches for the Reds.
Origi's impeding exit leaves Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp with a hole in his squad - a sixth choice forward player who can still deliver what's required when called upon, even when if it is only sporadically. There are, however, a five solutions available to Klopp for the loss of a player who has become a Liverpool cult hero.
Promotion from the Academy
Klopp isn’t afraid to promote youth and Liverpool have a number of interesting prospects in the wing and forward roles who will can grasp any chances which come there way next season if Origi leave as expected. Oakley Cannonier, Max Wooltman and Jack Bearne have been impressive in Liverpool's underage squads this season. The relocation of Liverpool's training ground to Kirkby has stationed Klopp much closer to the youth setups. But it is a huge step up to the first team on a regular basis.
Minamino steps up
Japan forward Takumi Minamino will be hoping that Origi’s exit may open the door for more appearances for him from the bench. He joined from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020 but has yet to show the same ruthless streak as Origi, though. The 27-year-old he has played his part for the Reds this season with a double against Norwich on his last start to Liverpool along in their FA Cup push.
Spend money on another striker
The arrival of Luis Diaz in January - six months earlier than expected - means it seems unlikely that the Reds will dip into the transfer market in the summer for another forward player. Diaz was set to be this summer’s big signing. While Fabio Carvalho is set to arrive from Fulham, giving more options on either side of Liverpool’s front three which frees up Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane to be more central at times. It would be more likely that they bring in youth rather than a big-money, high-profile attacker to replace Origi.
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Snap up a free transfer
Liverpool’s incoming sporting director Julian Ward would really win over his bosses if he could bring in a free signing this summer to replace Origi. Joel Matip joined Liverpool on a free transfer in 2016 and has become a key player, so there is some value in the market which will appeal to Klopp. It is unlikely, however, that the Reds will be sniffing around any of those who look set to be available at the end of the season at the moment. The reality is they are more likely to give a young, up-and-coming talent like Carvalho a chance.
Convince Origi to stay
Never say never, there are always late changes of heart even if it seems Origi will depart this summer. He has been close to going in the past, even during the 2019 campaign when he helped the Reds win the Champions League. Origi, now at 27, will surely want to go somewhere that he can start every week to show his finishing skills more often - especially with a World Cup place up for grabs. But he does enjoy the adoration he gets from the Kop. If it gets to the summer and he hasn’t got a move he wants, maybe there could be some last-minute negotiations.
