Jurgen Klopp has been at hand to issue a reassuring regarding the immediate future of Divock Origi following suggestions the Belgian could be sold.
Reports circulating on Saturday suggested Liverpool would consider letting the striker leave before Thursday’s transfer deadline, after he was left out in the squad for the midweek Champions League playoff win over Hoffenheim.
Dominic Solanke has been favoured over Origi as a second half substitute in recent games, thereby also fuelling rumours a loan move for the latter could be on the cards.
Klopp has since seemingly ruled out the possibility, telling the Liverpool Echo: “I cannot guarantee that people are happy every day. We have until the 31st (of August) to make a decision but until now in this position, nothing is happening.”
“Divock Origi has given me absolutely no reason not to involve him in the squad but the rules are the rules, but I spoke to him already.”
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“Against Hoffenheim we had to find another lineup and that worked well. So the players will all have their opportunities, they will all have their chances.”
“I can promise I will help all of them to make the next step in their development. It’s all about the boys, it’s not about me saying ‘you will play the next 10 games’.”
Origi finds himself in a tough situation on Merseyside, with Roberto Firmino showing no signs of losing his position as Liverpool’s first choice central striker, Daniel Sturridge once again competing for minutes and Solanke having made a great start to his Anfield career.
The 2016/2017 season served as proof that opportunities will come for the 22-year-old, but it’s just whether or not he can make an instant impact and find some much-needed consistency.
It has been his obvious talent that has made his slow progress all the more frustrating. For now, though, it looks like he’s staying put.