Former Liverpool star linked with Leeds and Villa in surprise Premier League return

Divock Origi is reportedly high on the list of potential strikers for Leeds United and Aston Villa as they look to bolster their attacking options this summer.

The former Liverpool fan favourite is also said to be interesting West Ham and Crystal palace.

Italian outlet Calcio Mercato have reported all four clubs are considering a move for the striker, with Galatasary also keen on the Belgium international.

Origi made 175 appearance for Liverpool after signing from French side Lillie in 2014, and scored 41 goals in all competitions, including famous Champions League goals against Barcelona and Tottenham as The Reds lifted the trophy.

The striker swapped Merseyside for Milan on , but has yet to make much of an impact for Stefan Pioli’s side.

After scoring just twice in 26 appearances and only recording two starts for AC Milan, it’s unsurprising the club would be willing to let him go.

Leeds have struggled to keep a regular number nine fit, with former talisman Patrick Bamford perennially injured and new found scorer Rodrigo only managing to play a full 90 minutes twice in 2023.

In their last Premier League game, a , Leeds played a front three of Crysencio Summerville, Brenden Aaronson and Luis Sinisterra, with no recognised number nine.

The club remain locked in the bottom three, and if they were relegated from the Premier League would most likely be unable to attract Origi to the club.

The same would apply for both Palace and West Ham, who despite sitting ahead of Leeds, are currently only four and two points ahead of the drop zone respectively.

Villa certainly don’t have to worry about relegation, and an uptick in form under new manager Unai Emery has pushed them under ninth place.

The Villains in January and now only have one first team number nine, Ollie Watkins.

Watkins has been in fine form however, scoring seven goals in his last nine Premier League appearances, so Origi may be used as a backup striker or super sub if he transferred to Villa Park.

If Origi is to return to the Premier League, whichever clubs signs him will be getting a proven top flight striker, and he could prove an excellent acquisition for whoever manages to get the deal done.