From Liverpool hero to cast-off at Milan

Divock Origi’s situation at AC Milan is a stark contrast to the heights he once reached with Liverpool, where his name became synonymous with iconic moments in Champions League history.

The Belgian forward was pivotal in Liverpool’s remarkable run to the Champions League title in the 2018/19 season, delivering unforgettable performances that secured his place in the club’s lore. His goals against Barcelona, including a brace in the thrilling 4-3 comeback at Anfield, and his late strike in the final against Tottenham, were emblematic of his knack for delivering in crucial moments. These feats elevated Origi from a role player to a cult hero at Liverpool. However, his transition to Italian football has been anything but smooth, and his current predicament at Milan reflects a dramatic downturn in his career trajectory.

Origi’s arrival at AC Milan in 2022 on a free transfer was initially seen as a shrewd piece of business by the Rossoneri. Milan, looking to bolster their attacking options, believed they were signing a player with proven pedigree in European competitions. However, the move has not panned out as expected. In his debut season with Milan, Origi struggled to find his rhythm, managing just two goals in 36 appearances across all competitions. His inability to adapt to the pace and style of Serie A, coupled with injury setbacks, limited his impact and raised questions about his long-term future with the club.

The situation worsened when Origi was loaned out to Nottingham Forest for the 2023/24 season. Under the management of Nuno Espírito Santo, Origi was expected to rejuvenate his career in the Premier League, a league where he had previously found success. Yet, his stint at Forest was underwhelming. He scored only once in 22 matches and failed to secure a regular starting position. The loan spell highlighted his ongoing struggles with form and consistency, casting further doubt on his ability to contribute at the highest level.

Upon his return to Milan, the appointment of Paulo Fonseca as head coach offered a potential lifeline for Origi. Many expected the new manager to give the Belgian a fresh start. However, Fonseca quickly made it clear that Origi was not part of his plans for the season. In August, club legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who had recently taken on an advisory role, bluntly stated that Origi was now considered part of the under-23 squad. This public demotion was a significant blow to Origi’s standing at the club. It was particularly damning given that players like Fodé Ballo-Touré, also relegated to the under-23 level, have since managed to make appearances, while Origi has remained sidelined.

According to “Gazzetta dello Sport,” Origi’s decision to stay at Milan this season was primarily influenced by financial considerations. The Belgian, capped 31 times by his national team, opted to remain due to the favorable tax benefits associated with his contract in Italy. Despite being on the fringes of the squad, Origi continues to earn a substantial salary, reported to be around €4 million gross annually, equating to over €300,000 per month. This lucrative deal, which runs until 2026, complicates any potential transfer, as few clubs are likely to match his current wages.

The uncertainty surrounding Origi’s role at Milan has been further amplified by reports of his movements in Italy. He has reportedly been seen in cities like Florence and Rome, but curiously not in Milan, where he is ostensibly based. This has fueled speculation about his future and his level of commitment to the club. Despite being out of the first-team setup, Origi has maintained his fitness, reportedly working with a personal trainer. However, he has not featured in any competitive match since April, when he last played for Nottingham Forest. This prolonged absence from the pitch only deepens the mystery of his situation.

The upcoming January transfer window presents a critical juncture in Origi’s career. He faces a tough decision: either continue collecting his wages while training in isolation or seek a new challenge elsewhere, likely with a significant pay cut. A move could offer a chance for a fresh start, but it would require Origi to make financial sacrifices. His current salary is a major stumbling block in negotiations, as few clubs outside the top European leagues can afford his wage demands, particularly given his recent lack of form and playing time.

Origi’s fall from grace is surprising, given his pedigree and past performances. Before joining Milan and Liverpool, he had stints with Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga and Lille in Ligue 1, where he completed his development after starting out at Belgian side Genk. He was once considered one of Europe’s most promising young strikers, especially after his strong performances for Belgium at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. However, his career has been marked by inconsistency, with flashes of brilliance often followed by prolonged periods of struggle.

For AC Milan, Origi’s situation is emblematic of broader issues with player recruitment and integration. The club invested in a player who, despite his experience, has not been able to deliver on the pitch. As Milan aims to challenge for Serie A titles and make deep runs in European competitions, they can ill afford to have high-profile signings like Origi failing to contribute. The striker’s ongoing exile from the squad underscores a misalignment between the club’s expectations and the player’s current capabilities.

The next few months will be crucial for Origi as he navigates this uncertain phase of his career. Whether he opts to remain in Milan and bide his time or seeks a new club willing to take a chance on his talent, the decision will likely shape the remainder of his playing days. At 29, he still has time to turn things around, but it will require a commitment to revitalizing his form and perhaps a willingness to embrace a new role or challenge outside the comfort of his current contract.

Ultimately, Divock Origi’s journey from Champions League hero at Liverpool to a forgotten man at Milan is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional football. While his past achievements will not be forgotten, his current struggles highlight the fine line between success and obscurity at the highest level of the game.