Liverpool striker Divock Origi has been linked with a move to Newcastle in the January transfer window but ex-Premier League striker Kevin Phillips has urged the Magpies to look elsewhere.
Origi is a legend at Liverpool after scoring the winning goal in the 2019 Champions League final but his playing time has become extremely limited and was made available for transfer in the summer.
Despite being made available for transfer, Liverpool didn’t receive an offer acceptable and the Belgian stayed put but a move could be on the cards for January.
The 26-year-old has played 165 times for Liverpool since 2015. He has played eight times this term but only two of these outings have come in the league.
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Newcastle coming under new ownership has given them funds to spend but they remain in great danger of being relegated to the Championship after failing to win a match so far this season.
Phillips has told Football Insider that Newcastle are “crying out for” two defenders in January: “Origi would be a good signing but I really don’t see that being an area of concern.”
“It would cost them a lot and I think it’d be hard to sign him midway through the season.
“Liverpool haven’t got the biggest squad. They will be reliant on the likes of Origi when the Africa Cup of Nations comes around in January.
“Let’s be honest, Newcastle are crying out for two defenders at least.
“If they want to stay in the Premier League they need to strengthen that defence. That has to be the priority when the window opens. Defenders are crucial if Newcastle are to stay up.”
It’s highly unlikely Liverpool would be willing to let Origi leave in January with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah leaving for the month to play in the Africa Cup of Nations.
