:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45495832/457721744.0.jpg)
Despite talk early in the window that Liverpool would be bringing Dicock Origi in six months early in an attempt to solve the club’s striker problems, Brendan Rodgers has today come out to say such a move is unlikely. Though the two clubs have discussed Origi’s short-term future, it now appears that Liverpool have decided—for whatever reasons—to leave the young striker where he is for now.
"There were a few discussions in January between the clubs, but it was merely to see where things were at in terms of Divock," Rodgers told TalkSport when asked about the potential for Origi to still arrive this month, six months ahead of when originally planned when Liverpool did a deal with Lille last summer contingent on him spending one more year in Ligue 1. "The likelihood is that he will stay at Lille."
When Jordon Ibe was recalled on loan from Derby County last week, it led to some speculation that he may only have been brought back to Anfield early because a deal for Origi wasn’t happening this month. Rodgers’ latest words seem confirmation of this notion, and it now appears as though Liverpool’s big January move to strengthen the attack may be the recall of a promising but raw 19-year-old winger.
If, as appears increasingly likely, Liverpool’s only transfer this month is the recall of Ibe, it speaks to the club being either in a dire financial state or to the club’s owners insisting Rodgers work with what he has after last summer’s significant outlay was followed with a disappointing first half of the season. Whatever the case, it would surprise nobody at this point if Ibe’s recall is the only incoming move this month.
"I think it will be quiet," Rodgers confirmed when pressed on the issue of January transfers in general and confirming the growing fears of many Liverpool fans. "I said earlier on in the window that we wouldn’t be doing much over the course of January."
