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Now that the players have returned to pre-season training Liverpool have resumed talks with Divock Origi about a new contract.
The 24-year old Belgian’s current deal expires next summer, at which point he could theoretically leave on a free transfer. However, Liverpool are determined to try and secure the long-term future of a man who emerged as an unlikely hero for them last season.
Back-up to the front three, he first made an impact when he scored dramatic injury-time winner against Everton in the Merseyside derby in December. However, he saved his most precious contribution for the Champions League, scoring twice in the dramatic semi-final comeback win over Barcelona, and netting the second in the final against Tottenham which helped to seal the Liverpool victory.
This is a dramatic turnaround for a player who seemed surplus to requirements at Anfield a year ago following an unhappy loan spell in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg, with other Premier League clubs showing interest in signing him. However, Liverpool are determined now to do all they can to persuade him to assign a new deal with the club.
Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.