Liverpool hero Divock Origi has now pulled a U-turn over a transfer to Saudi Arabia just one year after the West Ham United target left Anfield to join AC Milan as a free agent.
That is according to Calciomercato, which reports that Origi has had a change of heart about moving to Saudi Arabia. The 28-year-old had declined an offer to join the hordes heading for the Pro League at the end of June. But he is now willing to seriously consider any new offers.
Riyad Mahrez became one of the latest Premier League names to move to Saudi Arabia from Manchester City on Friday. He joined Edouard Mendy and Liverpool hero Roberto Firmino at Al-Ahli. Jordan Henderson has signed for Al-Ettifaq and Fabinho is Saudi Arabia-bound, too.
Liverpool hero Origi pulls a U-turn over a transfer to Saudi Arabia
Origi only left Liverpool to join AC Milan last summer after his contract at Anfield ended. But the Belgian endured a torrid time at San Siro during his debut campaign in Serie A. He made 27 appearances in the Italian top-flight last term but only scored two goals and assisted one.
Stefano Pioli further only started Origi in 10 of his outings as the Rossoneri produced a poor Scudetto defence. After lifting the 2021/22 Serie A title, AC Milan only finished the 2022/23 term in fourth. The San Siro side further finished the season 20 points off champions Napoli.
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Yet despite struggling to hold down a place, Gazzetta dello Sport reported earlier in July that Origi had rejected a transfer to West Ham and interest from Saudi Arabia. The forward made it clear that he wanted to stay at San Siro and fight for his spot under boss Pioli next season.
The AC Milan outcast could soon reunite with Henderson and Firmino
Having a contract with AC Milan until 2026 strengthened Origi’s stance to reject transfers to West Ham or Saudi Arabia. Yet Pioli excluding the 32-cap international from his 29-man side for AC Milan’s pre-season tour of the USA has now convinced Origi to reconsider his stance.
Now, Origi is open to joining fellow Liverpool heroes Henderson and Firmino in Saudi Arabia. The forward, who Jurgen Klopp called ‘outstanding’ whilst at Anfield, scored 22 and assisted 10 goals across 107 appearances in the Premier League over eight years as a Reds player.