Divock Origi’s career has taken an unexpected and unfortunate turn since he left Liverpool in the summer of 2022. Once a fan favorite at Anfield, known for his clutch moments and key goals, Origi’s future looked promising after his departure from Merseyside. However, nearly two and a half years later, the Belgian forward finds himself in a difficult situation at AC Milan, a club that has relegated him to the reserves and seems intent on offloading him as soon as possible.
Origi’s time at Liverpool was far from straightforward, but he earned cult hero status thanks to his knack for scoring in vital moments. His unforgettable goals in the Merseyside derby in December 2018, his brace against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final in 2019, and the goal in the final against Tottenham in the same year’s Champions League final sealed his place in Liverpool folklore. Despite not being a regular starter, Origi’s impact was undeniable, and his tally of 41 goals in 175 appearances, including 13 assists, solidified his legacy at the club.
When Origi left Liverpool, his stock was high. He had contributed to Liverpool’s most successful era in recent history, including winning both the Champions League and Premier League. AC Milan, one of Italy’s top clubs, offered Origi a four-year contract worth €4 million per season, making him one of the highest-paid players at the club. Milan’s confidence in him seemed well-placed, and he arrived in Italy with the hope of continuing his upward trajectory.
However, Origi’s time in Milan quickly soured. Despite a promising start, where he scored and assisted on his debut against Monza, his performances rapidly declined. In his first season, Origi managed just two goals in 36 appearances across all competitions. Milan’s patience started to wear thin, and they decided to send him on loan to Nottingham Forest for the 2023-24 season, hoping he would regain some form in the Premier League.
Unfortunately, things did not improve in England. Origi struggled to make an impact, failing to score in 20 Premier League appearances. The team, which was fighting relegation for much of the season, saw little from their loan signing. He did manage a single goal in a cup match, but that was the extent of his contributions. By the end of the season, Forest decided not to extend his stay, leaving Origi to return to Milan, where his future looked even more uncertain.
Back at Milan, Origi found himself on the fringes of the squad. The club had no interest in reintegrating him into the first team and made it clear that he was surplus to requirements. Milan’s decision to banish him to the reserves was a harsh reality for a player who had once been celebrated for his big-game contributions. Even in the third division, Origi has been left without match minutes, which is a stark contrast to the promising career he once seemed to have ahead of him.
At 29, Origi is still in the prime years of his career, yet his current situation at Milan has him wasting away, with no clear path forward. While the financial security offered by Milan’s contract is undoubtedly attractive, the lack of playing time and the club’s reluctance to involve him in any meaningful capacity is a bitter pill to swallow.
As the January transfer window approaches, Origi will be hoping for a move away from Milan. With his stock at an all-time low, it remains to be seen whether a club will take a chance on him. Regardless of where his next destination may be, Origi will likely be eager to leave Milan behind and find a team where he can reignite his career. After everything he achieved at Liverpool, it’s hard to imagine him spending much longer languishing in Milan’s reserves. January can’t come soon enough for the Belgian forward.
