Newcastle United are keen on signing Liverpool striker Divock Origi as they look to solve their pressing need for a proven goalscorer, according to the Chronicle.
The regional newspaper claim the Belgium international, 23, is on United’s radar after he returned to Anfield following a season-long loan at Wolfsburg.
Origi was named and shamed by Jurgen Klopp as he criticised his players for their performance in Saturday’s goalless pre-season friendly draw against Bury at Gigg Lane.
Klopp said, as quoted by the Chronicle: “I wanted us to score, I don’t like the a few situations; first half with Divock when maybe he can pass the ball for an easy goal.
“It’s the part of the season when players try to impress me, but I’ve told them already: ‘You impress me not by scoring any goal; if you see someone in a better position then that impresses me much more.’
“Making the right decisions when you are really tired, when it is really warm and the ball is not really rolling is very difficult. I knew that before, and that’s what we saw today.”
Good move for Newcastle?
Yes. Origi would be an upgrade on the current strikers at St James’ Park. His star has fallen over the last 12 months but he is still young and has the pedigree to score goals regularly at Premier League level. His overall Liverpool record is impressive – 21 goals and seven assists from 77 appearances – and he has had some outstanding matches for the club, particularly in their Europa League run in Klopp’s first season in charge. With 25 caps for Belgium as well, Origi is a fine centre-forward with pace, power and good movement. If he could improve his finishing, he would be a mighty good one.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10
Likely to happen?
It is certainly encouraging for Newcastle that Klopp opted to go public with his dissatisfaction at Origi’s selfishness in front of goal. Moreover, the Belgian is likely to be available for transfer given that Roberto Firmino is the undisputed number one centre-forward and Klopp has alternative options such as Dominic Solanke and rising star Rhian Brewster.
This Is Futbol rating 5/10