Divock Origi is out of contract at Liverpool in the summer of 2020

That’s according to Belgian insider Kristof Terreur. Origi started just four Premier League games last year and was restricted to largely substitute appearances but still made his mark The 24-year-old even became a cult hero by the end of the season, scoring a crucial brace in a 4-0 Champions League semi-final win over Barcelona at Anfield when he replaced the injured Roberto Firmino and providing the killer blow in the final against Tottenham in Madrid, with his 87th-minute strike confirming the Reds’ victory at the Wanda Metropolitano. Other notable contributions included a dramatic 96th-minute winner in the Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield as well as a last-gasp header away at Newcastle to make it 3-2 in the final weeks of the season as Liverpool looked to beat Manchester City to the title, albeit eventually missing out by one point.


Origi ended the season with seven goals and one assist despite his lack of starts, operating as back-up to Sadio Mane on the left wing but most often as a central striker where he deputised for Firmino. The Belgium international is in contract talks with Liverpool with just 12 months left on his existing deal and the Liverpool Echo claim the two parties have held positive discussions. Show Player But Liverpool chiefs have already made the decision that even if the ex-Lille front-man does not sign an extension, they will not sell him this summer at the risk of losing him for nothing in 12 months’ time. It marks a huge change from last summer, when Origi rejected the chance to join Wolves for an initial £22m, with Borussia Dortmund also having shown interest in the player before being put off by his £27m price tag.

Divock Origi scored seven goals last season

Divock Origi scored the decisive goal in the European Cup final against Tottenham in Madrid


Divock Origi was crucial to Liverpool's Champions League triumph

Origi returned to Liverpool a year ago after an underwhelming season-long loan spell with Wolfsburg and it appeared as though he was likely to leave the club. But a year on, and now a much-loved figure among the club’s fanbase for his heroics in the European Cup in particular, Origi has been promised that he will be the No 2 striker behind Firmino according to football journalist Terreur. Liverpool released Daniel Sturridge last month upon the expiry of his contract and are expected to offer Rhian Brewster the chance to compete for a regular first-team spot, though Origi will be the go-to back-up behind first-choice Firmino. Origi could even start the season with the Brazilian still on international duty until tomorrow, when Brazil take on Peru in the Copa America final at the Maracana a little over 30 days until the new Premier League campaign gets underway against Norwich on August 9. “They [Liverpool] already offered him [Origi] a new contract before the Champions League final,” Terreur told the Sky Sports Transfer Talk podcast. “There were some talks with his agent after the final. They were advanced negotiations but the player didn’t make his decision yet. He’s still on holiday.

Liverpool have told Divock Origi he will have a bigger role after Daniel Sturridge's departure

Divock Origi is a popular figure among Liverpool fans after last season's exploits