Liverpool striker Divock Origi, on loan with VfL Wolfsburg, has hinted he could be interested in a permanent move to join the Bundesliga club.
Origi made the move to the Volkswagen Arena towards the end of the summer transfer window, with the striker seeking regular first-team football.
Behind Roberto Firmino and Daniel Sturridge on Merseyside, and with Dominic Solanke arriving from Chelsea, Origi has taken up a key position at Wolfsburg, aided by injury to Mario Gomez.
The 22-year-old has scored three goals in nine appearances for his loan side so far, including a last-gasp equaliser in last weekend’s 1-1 draw away to Schalke.
While he is yet to truly hit his stride in front of goal, Origi is certainly operating in a more prominent role under Martin Schmidt than he would have at Anfield.
And speaking to German publication Bild this month, the Belgian suggested that he would be open to joining Wolfsburg on a permanent deal.
“I feel really well here. It’s a nice club and I am having a good time,” he said.
“I can grow here. And you can never rule anything out in football.”
Origi also reiterated that he has had little contact with Jurgen Klopp this season, which could allude to his diminishing stature under the 50-year-old.
The former Lille youngster certainly finds himself in a favourable position in Lower Saxony, having started in seven of his eight appearances in the Bundesliga so far.
And while three goals is far from a prolific outlay, Schmidt believes he can count on Origi to deliver a reasonable tally by the end of the campaign.
“Divock shows that he has arrived in the league. He can be measured by his previous goals. In the end, he can reach 10 to 12 goals,” he predicted.
With Schmidt focusing on the managerial aspect, Wolfsburg sporting director Olaf Rebbe maintains control over transfers, and the 39-year-old conceded he would be open to discussions for Origi.
“We will chat some time before the summer about how to proceed,” he revealed.
“At 22, Divock’s an extraordinary forward. He’s exhibiting his talent here right now.”
If Origi were to leave Liverpool permanently, it would be a major disappointment, given the quality and potential he showed since arriving in 2015.
Though he only scored 21 goals in 77 appearances, they included a host of crucial strikes.
While there is considerable competition up front on Merseyside, he had proven his worth.
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