Finding a star striker for your team can be one of football’s greatest challenges. And it doesn’t get much better when you identify a Champions League winner.
The new Sporting Director, Johan Lange, appears to have found Aston Villa’s new number nine for next season. Divock Origi, has been linked with Dean Smith’s team for the 2020/21 season and is capable of sharing the scoring burden with Jack Grealish (if he stays).
According to Daily Express, Villa management is lining up a £25million bid for the player.
Despite playing a bit-part role in the last two seasons, the striker has earned legendary status at Anfield for his important goals. The last-minute goal against Everton, the winner against Newcastle and his Champions League final goal will live long in the memory of Liverpool fans.
The newly crowned English champions have been linked with strikers and attacking players in the past month and that could determine where the player’s future lies. Plus, the arrival of Takumi Minamino and the progress of Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliot will also influence Liverpool’s decision, with a reported offer of £20-30 million likely to be accepted.
The player will then have to decide whether he wants to leave the club on the top. Remaining a bit-player behind Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohammed Salah could help Origi make the switch with the likelihood of a consistent run of starts being pivotal in his decision.
The news has been greeted with a great deal of excitement from Villa supporters, however met with doubt that a deal can be achieved.
Wages could become a stumbling block, or a bid matched by a team higher up in the food chain is also a possibility to prevent him coming to Villa Park.
Other options remain in the Premier League with Calum Wilson, Michy Batshuayi or Tammy Abraham potentially filling the striker berth. Wesley’s fitness will be questioned come the start of the season and Mbwana Samatta has not shown Premier League quality.
A chance for the Holte End to be singing a Belgian’s striker name once again.