Breakthrough in Liverpool forward deal with Origi salary demands met; Man Utd old boy up next (original) (raw)

Liverpool forward Divock Origi has moved a step closer to joining AC Milan who could follow up the deal by signing a Man Utd old boy, per reports.

Origi looks certain to leave Anfield as a free agent when the season concludes. The Belgian’s contract expires in the summer and Liverpool reportedly have no plans to offer an extension. Origi did hold a clause that would’ve triggered an automatic 12-month extension. However, the appearance requirements to activate that clause can no longer be achieved.

AC Milan are confident of bringing Origi to the San Siro. Led by technical director Paolo Maldini, the Rossoneri reportedly** reached a partial agreement with Origi’s representatives earlier this week.**

A four-year deal was agreed by both parties, though there was disagreement over the salary on offer.

AC reportedly tabled an offer of £48,000-a-week, but Origi was hoping for £72,000-a-week.

Italian outlet Gianluca DiMarzio claimed a compromise of £64,000-per-week could suffice, and per Football Italia, that’s exactly what’s transpired.

They report a verbal agreement has been struck over a £64,000-a-week deal which equates to €4m per season.

The two parties must still reach agreement regarding bonuses and agents’ fees. However, the heavy lifting in the deal has already been done and Origi is now a step closer to joining Milan.

Divock Origi in advanced talks with AC Milan

Divock Origi looks set for Italy switch as AC Milan talks advance

A second Football Italia report states Origi’s arrival could quickly be followed by former Manchester United attacker Adnan Januzaj.

Januzaj played for United between 2013-17 and was a rare bright spark in David Moyes’ ill-fated season in charge in 2013/14.

He quickly fell out of favour under subsequent managers before being moving to Real Sociedad in 2017.

Januzaj to follow Origi to Milan?

Now 27, Januzaj’s time in Spain could be coming to an end. Like Origi, Januzaj’s contract expires in the summer and Milan could be his next stop.

The article does note, however, that the interest at present is more from Januzaj’s side than AC’s. In their words, Januzaj’s camp have ‘approached Milan rather than the other way around’.

Whether AC will scoop up the Belgium international, only time will tell. But given they are a shoe-in to qualify for next season’s Champions League, adequate strength in depth in the final third will be a must.

While not expected to be a starter in Italy, Januzaj could be a viable – and affordable – depth piece.