Former Liverpool striker Divock Origi is set to become a free agent after terminating his contract with AC Milan over two years after his last game for the club.
Origi joined AC Milan after his contract at Liverpool expired, but fell out of favour following one season as a first-team regular.
Having scored just twice in 36 games in the 2022/23 campaign, the Belgian was frozen out and left to train with the Italian side’s U23s after a disappointing loan with Nottingham Forest in 2023/24.
Since his return from Forest, Origi has not featured in any capacity – and the 30-year-old has now agreed to terminate his contract early.
La Gazzetta dello Sport are among those to report on the agreement, which will remove a salary of €4 million (£3.5m) per year from Milan’s wage bill.
Who could Divock Origi sign for on a free transfer?
LONDON, ENGLAND - Wednesday, March 8, 2023: AC Milan's Divock Origi looks dejected after missing a chance during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg game between Tottenham Hotspur FC and AC Milan at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
That will make Origi available as a free agent, which could make him an attractive proposition for a number of clubs throughout Europe.
Milan are set to sign West Ham failure Niclas Fullkrug on loan instead, with the virtue of that deal already highly questionable given the German’s similarly disappointing spell in the Premier League.
It remains to be seen where Origi’s next move will take him but he has maintained his fitness working with a personal trainer while unable to move away from Italy for tax reasons.
He has previously been touted with a switch to either the Saudi Pro League or MLS, which given his time away from competitive football may offer him a sensible route back in.
Al-Ettifaq were credited with an interest back in 2023 but that came when Steven Gerrard was in the dugout when the ties were more obvious.
Divock Origi at AC Milan: The Financials and Stats
Category Detail
Annual Salary €4m (£3.5m) net
Milan Appearances 36
Milan Goals 2
Status Free Agent (Jan 1)
There is no chance of a return to Liverpool, of course, despite the need for another attacking signing following Alexander Isak‘s long-term injury.
Isak underwent successful surgery on Monday after breaking his leg and damaging his ankle in what Arne Slot has described as a “reckless challenge” from Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven.
Origi made 175 appearances for Liverpool following his £10 million move from Lille in 2014, scoring 41 goals including some of the most important and iconic in the club’s recent history.
He remains a favourite among supporters for his role in 2019 Champions League triumph in particular, scoring twice against Barcelona in the dramatic semi-final comeback along with the second goal in the victory over Tottenham in the final.