OPINION
The focus at Liverpool this summer has been on the four big-money signings made by Jurgen Klopp, but now that the English transfer window has shut there are only outgoings to contend with.
There are still several players at Anfield who may leave the club in the coming weeks either on loan or in permanent deals, with European clubs having until the end of the month to conclude their business.
One player whose future is yet to be decided is striker Divock Origi, who has seemingly been deemed surplus to requirements by Klopp after a disappointing couple of seasons.
The Belgium international has just one year left on his current deal, and the Reds are therefore seeking a permanent exit for the 23-year-old.
As reported by Turkish Football, Fenerbahce are currently locked in talks with Liverpool over a deal for Origi, but the two sides remain far apart in negotiations.
The football site report that Liverpool are seeking £26million for the Belgian hitman, while Fenerbahce are merely seeking a loan deal.
Fenerbahce are said to be open to a permanent agreement, but the Super Lig club are urging Liverpool to lower their valuation of Origi as they are unable to pay the desired £26million.
It is said that Fenerbahce do not believe there will be much competition for Origi’s signature, which leaves Liverpool in an awkward situation.
The issue for the Reds is that a season-long loan deal will see Origi walk away for free next summer, unless they were to agree a contract extension.
Whatever happens, one thing is clear: Liverpool must resolve Origi’s future soon.
The club do not want to be stuck with him at the club and having to pay his wages with no prospect of him playing at all, a situation that would be far from desirable for both them and the player.
Fenerbahce are obviously not in a position to pay the £26million, which is in any case a ridiculous price tag considering his poor form in recent seasons, and the Reds must now compromise.
Either they agree a one-year extension with Origi before loaning him out to Turkey, or they lower their demands to a price that is acceptable to Fenerbahce.
There is no point keeping Origi at the club for the season, as he will walk away for free next summer anyway, and with time running out in the window, his future must be resolved as soon as possible to avoid that costly situation.
The club may not get the ideal result, but an influx of say £15million, or a loan fee and offloading Origi’s wages, will be a good outcome nonetheless.
