Al-Fateh launch move to beat West Ham to former Liverpool striker Origi

By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

16th Aug, 2023 | 5:06pm

Sources: Al Fateh launch bid to beat West Ham to deal for ex-Liverpool star Divock Origi

Former Liverpool striker Divock Origi is being lined up for a move to Saudi Arabia by Al-Fateh, sources have told Football Insider.

Al Fateh, who are coached by former West Ham and West Brom manager Slaven Bilic, are looking to lure the Belgian international to the Saudi Pro League.

AC Milan are willing to offload Origi this summer with the forward not figuring in the long-term plans of head coach Stefano Pioli after a disappointing debut season in Italy last term.

Origi, 28, was left out of the Milan squad for their pre-season tour of the United States.

The likes of Crystal Palace and West Ham have been linked with Origi, but they face serious competition from Al-Fateh.

He managed just two goals and one assist across 36 appearances in all competitions for Champions League semi-finalists AC Milan last season.

Origi, who signed a contract running until June 2026 just last year (2022), reprised his role as an impact substitute for the Rossoneri after thriving in a similar capacity at Liverpool.

He established a reputation as a fan favourite during his eight years at Anfield – and most famously scored the second goal in the Reds’ 2-0 win over Tottenham in the 2019 Champions League final.

The Belgium international racked up 41 goals and 18 assists in 175 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool.

He won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup during his time in England.

Origi could now become the latest export to the Saudi Pro League, following in the footsteps of the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Ruben Neves.

Al-Fateh, who have Belgium international Jason Denayer on their books, started their league season with a 1-1 draw against Al-Taawoun.

They finished sixth last term.

In other news, Liverpool in late move to sign defender – top target revealed.