Origi set to leave Lille for Liverpool in January

December 20, 2014 | 11:55

(0) user say

Belgian forward Divock Origi will cut short a season-long loan at Lille in January to return to parent club Liverpool, who will pay six million euros for the privilege, according to a source close to the deal.

Lille's Belgian forward Divock Origi (AFP/Ronny Hartmann)

LILLE, France: Belgian forward Divock Origi will cut short a season-long loan at Lille in January to return to parent club Liverpool, who will pay six million euros (US$7.3 million, £4.7million, S$9.6 million) for the privilege, according to a source close to the deal.

The 19-year-old, who was bought by Liverpool from Lille in the summer for a reported £10 million after impressing for Belgium at the World Cup, was immediately loaned back to the Ligue 1 side for the duration of this season.

However, the loan agreement included a clause allowing Liverpool to take Origi back in the January transfer window for six million euros if they needed attacking reinforcements. And with Mario Balotelli struggling to make an impact at the Anfield club and Brendan Rodgers's side enduring a difficult campaign, it now appears that they will move to boost their attack in January.

Lille coach Rene Girard had on several occasions denied reports that Origi was on his way out of the club despite rumours to the contrary, but the French side could not refuse such an offer as they are currently struggling financially.

Origi was a surprise call-up to the Belgium squad for the World Cup and shone on their run to the quarter-finals in Brazil. However, he has scored only four goals in all competitions this season, two from penalties.

AFP

What the stars mean:

★ Poor ★ ★ Promising ★★★ Good ★★★★ Very good ★★★★★ Exceptional