---
title: "Noel Whelan says Liverpool must keep Divock Origi throughout January"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/noel-whelan-says-liverpool-must-keep-divock-origi-throughout-january/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-12-14T17:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-12-14T17:00:00Z"
---

# Noel Whelan says Liverpool must keep Divock Origi throughout January

Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan believes [Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/12/13/virals-journalist-says-harvey-elliott-is-on-track-for-a-first-team-return/) cannot afford to let [Divock Origi](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/12/13/virals-ac-milan-interested-in-liverpool-striker-divock-origi/) leave in the January transfer window.

This comes following [reported interest](https://sportwitness.co.uk/hot-name-clubs-circling-sign-liverpool-player-decision-time-reds-attacker/) from Serie A clubs AC Milan and Atalanta in taking the 26-year-old ace.

Having recently [come to the fore](https://www.sofascore.com/player/divock-origi/190399) with some important goals – including the winner in the San Siro – Origi once again appears to be a crucial part of Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

Speaking to [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/pundit-cant-believe-origi-could-leave-liverpool-in-january-after-report-from-italy/), Whelan said that the Reds must keep the enigmatic frontman.

> I’m not sure whether they can afford to let him go in January, maybe in the summer. I’ve seen the way Jurgen Klopp goes on about him as a person, as a character, as a footballer. There’s obviously great mutual respect there. I think Klopp realises how much he is going to need Origi this season, especially during the African Cup of Nations. It’s a crucial time. It’s probably why he’s been given that extra bit of game time – just to ease him into match sharpness. He’ll be an integral part of that front three with Sadio Mane and Mo Salah missing.

So far this season Origi has [scored five times and provided two assists](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/divock-origi/leistungsdaten/spieler/148368) in 10 appearances for Klopp’s side across all competitions.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

Valued at £10.8million ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/divock-origi/marktwertverlauf/spieler/148368)), the club are in a tricky situation with the Belgian.

Whilst cashing in would make sense from a financial perspective, Liverpool cannot afford to lose [another attacking option](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/team/first-team) next month.

Recent form would suggest the striker is worthy of a new deal, however, previous [struggles](https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/liverpool-must-sign-goalscorer-origi-nowhere-near-good/1ilcggahzeckn1qla4fyoligve) may rule that out.

At present it appears far more likely Origi will stay until the end of the season and [leave next summer](https://www.si.com/soccer/liverpool/transfers/liverpool-striker-is-ready-to-leave-the-club-this-summer).