Jota form tipped to force Klopp into exit decision on Liverpool attacker

Diogo Jota, Takumi Minamino Liverpool

Liverpool could opt to send striker Divock Origi out on loan in the January transfer window amid his struggles for game time, according to a report.

Origi has proved the Reds‘ senior back-up to their famed front three in recent seasons. Indeed, he cemented that role last season due to Xherdan Shaqiri’s injury struggles.

However, Diogo Jota‘s £41million arrival from Wolves has caused a shift in boss Jurgen Klopp’s thinking. The Portuguese forward has already made eight appearances, scoring three goals at Anfield.

Origi, meanwhile, was not in the squad for Saturday’s clash with Sheffield United and has only otherwise made the bench in the Premier League.

As such, Voetbal24 suggest that it is ‘quite possible’ that the Belgium international could leave when the transfer window re-opens.

What’s more, Klopp could opt to send Origi out on loan, perhaps in a bid to help him rediscover his form.

The 25-year-old is keen to fill a spot in his country’s Euro 2021 squad and knows he needs to increase his game time.

Voetbal24 adds that with Club Brugge failing with an approach in the summer, the Belgian capital could be an ideal destination for Origi.

Divock Origi TEAMtalk

Origi has shown a penchant for decisive contributions since his move to Liverpool in 2014. Indeed, his first such key moment came as he scored the equaliser away to Borussia Dortmund in 2016.

Since then, though, he scored three goals to help the Reds clinch Champions League glory in the 2018/19 season.

And while he has also scored important goals against Everton, he has by and large struggled to provide a consistent threat.

To add to his struggles, Takumi Minamino has joined Liverpool’s attacking ranks and Shaqiri has returned to fitness.

Liverpool’s defensive concerns mount

 

 

But while Liverpool are enjoying a plethora of attacking talent, they are short on defensive reinforcements.

Fabinho had been filling in for the injured Virgil van Dijk before himself pulling his hamstring against Midtjylland.

As such, Klopp has said that he could hand out a Premier League debut in Saturday’s clash with West Ham.

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