Barcelona are reportedly plotting a shock raid on Liverpool for Belgian international Divock Origi in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Belgian international Divock Origi is the subject of interest from Barcelona ahead of the summer transfer window. The Liverpool striker is being seen as a possible backup option to Luis Suarez.
Divock Origi has endured a difficult spell at Liverpool since making his way from LOSC Lille in the summer of 2014. After a year back at Lille on-loan, the Belgian international finally made his way to Anfield, but has never quite managed to establish himself as a regular for the Reds.
A loan spell at Wolfsburg last season did not help his cause one bit, but the current campaign has seen him turn his fortunes around to some extent. Origi has scored seven goals, impressively one every 104 minutes, this season, with some of them being vital. Two of these goals came against Barcelona as Liverpool completed a dramatic turnaround in the Champions League semi-finals.
It now looks like Origi’s performance in the second leg has left an indelible impression on Barcelona, who are now plotting a summer raid on Liverpool for the 24-year-old.
Barcelona already look set to strengthen their attack by signing Antoine Griezmann. But, the report stresses that Griezmann is not being eyed as an immediate replacement for Luis Suarez, despite the Uruguayan showing that age might be catching up with him.
Instead, Griezmann will form a part of the attacking unit alongside Suarez. It is, therefore, imperative that Barcelona also sign someone to be a quality backup to the 32-year-old, which is why they seem to have set their sights towards Liverpool and Origi.
In recent seasons, the failure to give Suarez ample rest has cost Barcelona dearly, with the likes of Paco Alcacer, Munir El Haddadi and Kevin-Prince Boateng all struggling to make an impact. Origi is now being seen as the latest option to possibly provide backup to Suarez.
At this stage of Suarez’s career, he will need even more rest than he has been handed in the last few years. And, with Origi could be just what the doctor ordered for Barcelona, having played a key role in Liverpool’s bid for the Premier League title as well as the triumphing in the UEFA Champions League so far this season.
However, it is unclear if the player would be prepared to continue being a rotational option if he were to leave Liverpool, who, for their part, are hoping to reward him with a new deal. It now remains to be seen if the prospect of playing for Barcelona entices the Belgian international, or if he stays put at Anfield.
