The 49ers have used the free agent market very well this year for Leeds.
Both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha have impressed since arriving on free transfers during the summer, after leaving Everton and Wolfsburg respectively.
Nmecha was on a run of three goals in four Premier League appearances before being sidelined with a hamstring injury, although Calvert-Lewin has since bettered that with six goals in his last five games.
Now, another striker is on the free agent market in Divock Origi – a player Leeds wanted to sign in the summer of 2023.
Leeds United can now sign Divock Origi for nothing
It was Calciomercato who claimed back in April 2023 that Leeds wanted Origi as AC Milan looked to offload the struggling Belgian – who had only netted two goals in 26 appearances for the Italian giants at that point.
Should Leeds SELL Joel Piroe and take Divock Origi on a free? 🤔
It would certainly help the PSR situation… 💰
Now – over two years later – Fabrizio Romano claims the Belgium international and AC Milan have both signed documents to terminate his contract, with just two goals in 36 appearances to his name in total.
Origi – who James Milner admires – was banished from the AC Milan squad in the summer of 2024 as they looked to offload him after an uneventful loan to Nottingham Forest, but having failed to find a buyer, those at the San Siro have now opted to simply cut their losses.
It is unclear whether Leeds still admire the 30-year-old, but if interest does remain, he can now be signed for nothing.
Divock Origi could help Leeds United ease PSR issues if a buyer is found for Joel Piroe
Origi obviously has a lot to prove – both in terms of fitness and performance – if he is to earn a contract in January.
However, if the Belgian proves himself capable of being a useful squad option, a deal might interest Leeds given the situation of Joel Piroe.
Piroe could leave in January having made just two Premier League starts under Daniel Farke this season.
Should a buyer be found for the Dutchman to the tune of £10m or so, bringing Origi in as a replacement would help Leeds out massively in terms of PSR.
Should Leeds follow Nottingham Forest’s path and risk a points deduction? 💸
“This summer, we spent everything we could. Unequivocally, we are maxing PSR out this season. If we had gone on to other targets [on deadline day], the consequences would have been seen in the current roster. More key players from last season would have had to go.”
Robbie Evans on Leeds United’s PSR position
Robbie Evans has already revealed Leeds have hit the limit when it comes to PSR, so a sale might be needed before any bids can be made for new signings.
Origi – if fit – could therefore represent a way for Leeds to ensure Farke still has three strikers to call upon, while also freeing up funds to bolster other areas without breaching any financial rules.
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