Divock Origi set to undergo AC Milan medicals next week

Outgoing Liverpool striker Divock Origi will fly to Italy next week to undergo his medicals before signing a long-term contract at AC Milan, as per Fabrizio Romano.

The Belgium international’s contract at Anfield is up in the summer, and the newly-crowned Serie A champions are on the verge of capturing his signature for free.

Milan are on the lookout for a new centre-forward as head coach Stefano Pioli hopes to add fresh blood to his attacking department containing the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Olivier Giroud.

Both strikers have offered a tremendous contribution to the Rossoneri’s first Scudetto since 2010/11, especially the Frenchman, who has grabbed several decisive goals this season.

Giroud is already 35, while Ibrahimovic is contemplating whether to extend his illustrious playing career for another season, having turned 40 last year.

Unfortunately for the San Siro faithful, Milan have not stayed immune to the knock-on effect of COVID-19, which has devastated the club’s already impaired finances.

While waiting for the Bahrain consortium to complete the purchase of the club, technical director Paolo Maldini has already made steps towards strengthening the squad ahead of the summer transfer window.

Milan and Origi already have a verbal agreement in place, and the parties are hoping to close the deal as early as next week.

Origi, an unused substitute in Liverpool’s 3-1 home triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers on the final Premier League weekend, bid an emotional farewell to the Anfield crowd in the aftermath.

“Unbelievable years I have had here, to be able to soak this in with all the fans,” the 27-year-old told Sky Sports.

“We had Covid, now it’s opening up. To see all the fans I feel amazing. It goes beyond words.”

Despite playing a bit-part role in Jurgen Klopp’s system, Origi has earned high acclaim from the German manager, who considers him a world-class striker.

The Belgian has scored some precious goals for Liverpool over the years, including his iconic tie-winner against Barcelona in the Reds’ triumph 2018/19 Champions League campaign.