Anfield Cult Hero Opens Door for Return After Contract Termination

Liverpool's "Lucky Charm" Linked with Stunning Anfield Return

The Liverpool side of circa 2017 to 2020 had something about it. They had dogged fighters in every position, a never-give-up attitude, and a strong team spirit, all of which combined to make them every opponent's worst nightmare.

It wasn’t necessarily their quality that got them through matches - it was their character that carried them through memorable games, including a last-gasp win over Newcastle at St. James’ Park, that semi-final win against Borussia Dortmund, and of course, their epic comeback against Barcelona, featuring Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner taken quickly.

🔴🗣️ Arne Slot urged to bring former hero home as major transfer domino falls into place at Liverpoolhttps://t.co/zOLy9sVTU6 #LFC #transfers

— TEAMtalk (@TEAMtalk) December 24, 2025

The one thing all of these games have in common? Divock Origi, who just yesterday had his contract terminated at AC Milan, opening the door for a hero's return to Anfield.

Nostalgia Hit or Legitimate Signing?

Signed in 2014 by Brendan Rogers from French side Lille, the Belgian Origi was never a reliable goalscorer - in fact, across his whole 12-year career, he only boasts two campaigns in which he struck 10+ goals, and both came in his first two seasons at Liverpool.

However, what he lacked in out-and-out goalscoring ability he made up for with his proficiency for the dramatic - it was he who converted Alexander-Arnold’s “corner taken quickly”, netted that spectacular header against Newcastle as Liverpool romped their way to their first ever Premier League title, drove Klopp to manic celebrations with his 96th-minute winner in the Merseyside derby and, of course, put the icing on the cake in the 2019 Champions League final against Tottenham.

"LOOK AT JURGEN KLOPP!" 🎙️

On this day in 2018, Divock Origi sunk Everton in the 96th minute with the 'daftest derby goal of all time' 😅🔴 pic.twitter.com/kzOrZkECQw

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 2, 2025

So while he was never the striker fans wanted to see in the starting XI, they would be whipped into a frenzy when he came off the bench with half an hour to play, sensing that something special could well happen.

Leaving Liverpool in 2022, Origi was picked up on a free transfer by AC Milan, but it was clear that, as he had in the Premier League, he once again lacked the unpredictability and all-round ability to consistently start in a title-challenging team.

Though he made 36 appearances in the 2022/23 season, the Belgian only netted twice, and consequently was loaned out to newly promoted Nottingham Forest the next season. He fared little better here, scoring just once in 22 games, as Forest stayed up by the skin of their teeth.

And although his loan spell in England brings us to the summer of 2024, it also brings us to the present day - incredibly, Origi has failed to play a competitive game since leaving the City Ground, as he was relegated to the AC Milan U20 team upon his return to Italy.

Having not played for the Rossoneri for more than two years, the Italian outfit saw fit to cut their losses yesterday, rescinding his contract and making him a free agent. Now 30, Origi’s best years are almost certainly behind him - but with Liverpool struggling to pick up any momentum in their so far weak title defence, could the miracle worker be exactly what they need to turn their season around?

He won’t be starting over Ekitike, but with Isak injured for at least two months with a fractured leg, the Reds need striker depth, and Origi would be an affordable option who is already familiar with the club, making him a better candidate than most. Though an unlikely move, I can’t imagine that anyone would be upset should Liverpool’s cult hero return to his rightful place.