Liverpool release ‘legend’ who has been linked with Newcastle United move

Divock Origi will depart Liverpool at the end of his contract this month, the Merseyside club have announced.

The Reds paid tribute to the Belgian forward on Thursday morning, labelling him a ‘Liverpool legend’ after he scored some of the most iconic goals in the club’s history.

Origi scored twice in the 4-0 Champions League semi-final comeback against Barcelona in 2019 and netted in the final victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

The 27-year-old also enjoyed scoring against local rivals Everton - six in total - including the 96th-minute at Anfield in December 2018. His last goal for the Reds came in April against the Toffees.

In total, he made 175 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side, scoring 41 times, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup.

“He [Origi] is a legend on and off the pitch. Fantastic footballer, a world-class striker and is our best finisher,” Klopp said.

“Everyone would say the same. You see this in training. It is a really hard decision to make to leave him out. Everyone loves Divock here.”

Origi has tentatively been linked with Newcastle United since January, however the former Lille striker is poised to join Serie A champions AC Milan, according to several reports.

Eddie Howe’s side are looking to sign a striker this summer with Reims star Hugo Ekitike top of the list.