Italian outlet Calcio Mercato claim Leeds United are in a four-way Premier League battle to land AC Milan striker Divock Origi this summer – with West Ham, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace also interested in signing the Belgian.
Origi, 27, finally left Liverpool last summer after 175 games for the club. He joined Milan on a free transfer, after Milan secured the Serie A title. But he has failed to overtake veteran Olivier Giroud as Milan’s first-choice striker.
Indeed, the Belgium star has scored just two goals for Milan since his arrival – in 26 appearances. However, of those 26, only six have been in the starting line-up. Milan are growing impatient, and are willing to sell him this summer.
The report states that Leeds, West Ham, Villa and Palace want to lure him back to English football. A certain club from Turkey are also listed as a potential suitor. The ex-Liverpool ace has a contract at Milan until June 2025.
Leeds in four-way battle to land Milan striker Divock Origi this summer
Leeds have been linked with a number of strikers of late. Greece international Vasilis Paglidis of AZ Alkmaar, and Gent’s Gift Orban are just two reportedly interesting the Leeds board. So, perhaps, Leeds want to sign a forward.
That is despite boasting Rodrigo, Patrick Bamford and Georgie Rutter. The latter is yet to get going after costing the club a huge £35m. Bamford is up and down, yet to get going after his injury issues. Rodrigo has been on fire.
But Rodrigo’s deal ends next summer and at 32, it will be interesting to see if he is given a new deal. So, it could be that Leeds decide to sell both Rodrigo and Bamford in the summer – and a new striker is needed. Origi, perhaps.
He has done it in the Premier League when given the opportunity, and scored in a Champions League final. At Milan, he has hardly been given the platform to shine. At Leeds he could show why Jurgen Klopp thinks he is “world class”.
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