Liverpool striker Divock Origi signs new long-term contract after Champions League heroics

Divock Origi, one of the heroes of Liverpool’s Champions League-winning campaign, has signed a new long-term contract at Anfield.

Origi, who scored Liverpool’s second goal in last month’s 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid, was entering the final year of his existing deal.

Despite his key contributions to last season’s success, the 24-year-old striker was concerned that his opportunities may be limited under Jurgen Klopp this year.

Origi is firmly behind Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané in the Anfield pecking order, while youngster Rhian Brewster will also now compete for playing time.

However, Klopp has assured Origi that he will be given games during the forthcoming 2019-20 campaign. The precise length of the contract has not been made public. 

The Belgium international scored eight goals in 22 appearances last season, including two in the sensational 4-0 semi-final victory over Barcelona.

Origi also scored a last-minute winner in the Merseyside derby at Anfield last December and a late goal away at Newcastle United, which took the Premier League title race down to the final weekend.

The 24-year-old could easily have left Anfield last summer following a unspectacular loan spell at Wolfsburg, amid interest from a number of top-flight clubs home and abroad.

Klopp, however, has been impressed with the attitude Origi has shown while re-establishing himself at Liverpool and is happy to extend the Belgian’s stay.

James Milner and Joel Matip are also expected to renew terms at Anfield this summer, having entered the final years of their respective contracts.