Leeds United are reportedly interested in a surprise move to sign Divock Origi from AC Milan this summer and lure the Belgian back to English football – and James Milner was full of praise for the star in his book, ‘Ask A Footballer’.
Origi, 27, left Liverpool last summer on a free transfer. A striker that often warmed the bench but was responsible for some crucial goals – one against Spurs in the Champions League final, or in the dying moments against Everton.
His move to Milan has not worked out. Starting only six of his 26 appearances, he has scored just two goals. Italian outlet CalcioMercato say Milan are becoming fed up of placing their faith in Origi, and are willing to sanction an exit.
They say that interest is aplenty in Origi. Leeds, West Ham, Villa and Palace are all keen. Galatasaray want to take him to Turkey, while Everton would like him – but a move is ruled out for obvious reasons, his Liverpool connection.
Writing in his book about then-teammate Origi in 2019, Milner gushed over the Belgian. He described Origi as a man with a laid-back approach to life, the opposite of Milner, but also really intelligent and able to speak four languages.
“Within our squad, you probably couldn’t get two more different characters than Div and me. Polar opposites. You know what I’m like. Div, on the other hand, is just so relaxed,” Milner writes in ‘Ask A Footballer’, as per LFC Globe.
“He’s a very intelligent guy, speaks four languages fluently. You can tell how committed, determined he is by the way he has forced his way back into the team. Off the pitch, he’s so incredibly relaxed, without a care in the world.”
Leeds interested in Origi, Milner full of praise for star in his book
Most Liverpool players will tell you that off the pitch, Origi was a player with a top attitude. Despite constantly warming the bench and often being third or fourth-choice striker, he would always deliver when used by the Reds.
But of course, he is better than simply seeing his talent wasted and a move to Milan looked a good one at first glance. It has not worked out. Origi needs a team where he will start every game and at Leeds, he might get that.
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