Despite Divock Origi‘s struggle for form in his second season with Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp is believed to have “no intention” of selling the striker.
Origi has spent much of the campaign on the periphery, after breaking through under Klopp last term, with just seven starts in the Premier League so far in 2016/17.
The Belgian has still managed to find the back of the net on eight occasions, making him Liverpool’s third-highest goalscorer, behind only Roberto Firmino (10) and Sadio Mane (12).
But speaking while on duty during this month’s international break, Origi described this season as “frustrating,” casting doubt over his Liverpool future.
However, according to the Liverpool Echo‘s James Pearce, Origi won’t be going anywhere this summer.
He claims that Liverpool have “no intention” of parting ways with the former Lille star, with Klopp “adamant that the young frontman remains part of the Reds’ future.”
“The Reds boss isn’t about to give up on the 21-year-old,” Pearce added, “he still believes he can unlock his rich potential.”
This should be of no surprise, given Klopp’s frequent backing of Origi, the doubtful futures of both Daniel Sturridge and Danny Ings and the busy schedule Liverpool will face next season.
The Reds are likely to qualify for either the Champions League or the Europa League next season, as well as reinforcing their fight at the top end of the Premier League.
For this, Origi will be required, with the Belgian ostensibly backup to Roberto Firmino if Sturridge is sold and Ings takes longer to recover from another long-term knee injury.
Klopp is set to dip into the transfer market to bolster his attacking ranks this summer, with the Mail suggesting Liverpool have made an official enquiry for RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner.
But if Origi is called upon next season, as well as between now and May, he will be required to produce more frequently on the pitch.
In his last outing for the Reds, in the second half of the 1-1 draw away to Man City, Origi lacked the energy and intensity his side needed to push for victory.
This has been something of a recurring theme for much of the campaign, with Origi not performing with the verve of the second half of 2015/16.
Recapturing this will be vital, but still just 21 and clearly having the backing of his manager, there is plenty of time for Origi to establish himself on Merseyside.
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