In a stunning turn of events, AC Milan have severed ties with Belgian striker Divock Origi, bringing a premature end to his ill-fated tenure at the San Siro. The former Liverpool fan favourite, whose contract was originally set to run until June 2026, has been released after a single, disappointing season.
The 28-year-old's departure was confirmed via an official club statement, marking a dramatic fall from grace for the player who etched his name into Anfield folklore with crucial goals, including the decisive strike in the 2019 Champions League final.
A Dream Move That Turned Sour
Origi's arrival in Italy last summer was met with great anticipation. Having left Liverpool as a free agent after a legendary eight-year spell, he inked a lucrative five-year deal with the Rossoneri. Hopes were high that he would provide attacking impetus and a winning mentality to a squad chasing Serie A and European glory.
However, the dream quickly unravelled. A combination of persistent injury setbacks and a stark failure to adapt to Italian football saw him become a peripheral figure. His statistics tell a grim story: a mere two goals from 36 appearances across all competitions, with a significant number of those outings coming from the substitutes' bench.
The Inevitable Conclusion
With Origi deemed surplus to requirements by manager Stefano Pioli and completely omitted from the club's pre-season plans, a mutual agreement to terminate his contract was the only logical conclusion. This decision saves the club from a significant portion of his substantial wages and allows Origi to seek a fresh start elsewhere.
The Belgian international's next destination remains a subject of intense speculation. A return to the Premier League, where he is still highly regarded for his Liverpool heroics, is considered a strong possibility, though clubs across Europe and in Major League Soccer are also likely to be alerted to his sudden availability.
This episode serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of football transfers, where not even a proven pedigree on the biggest stages can guarantee success in a new league.
