Divock Origi Needs MLS to Revive His Career

Divock Origi, once Liverpool’s unlikely hero, now finds himself at a crossroads. AC Milan has already turned the page, making it clear there’s no room for him in their plans. Yet, Origi is still searching for his way back. And, interestingly enough, Major League Soccer (MLS) might be just what he needs to rescue his career.

At 29, Origi is at a critical juncture. The glory days at Anfield feel like a distant memory, and the frustrating stints at Milan and Nottingham Forest have only deepened the sense that he’s lost his way. But far from the glitz and glamour of Europe’s top leagues, MLS emerges as an appealing option. It’s become a breeding ground for players looking to rediscover themselves, and Origi could be next in line to take advantage of this opportunity.

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MLS, known for attracting big names in different stages of their careers, offers more than just a fresh start. For Origi, it would be a chance to be the main man again. The league’s franchise system creates a less chaotic environment than European leagues, with less pressure from the media and fans, which could help the Belgian regain his confidence. Plus, the physical and direct style of play in MLS seems to fit perfectly with his skill set.

Origi almost made a move to Los Angeles FC in January. The talks progressed, but in the end, the deal fell through. Still, the MLS’s interest in him remains strong, and it’s easy to see why. The league is expanding, eager to attract international talent to raise its competitiveness and global visibility. Origi, with his experience of scoring crucial goals in major competitions, brings exactly the kind of pedigree MLS clubs are after.

For Origi, MLS represents a rare opportunity to rewrite his story. After seasons that left him feeling adrift, the American league could provide the ideal setting for him to get back to scoring goals and making an impact. At 29, he’s still got plenty left in the tank compared to many of the veterans who come to MLS just to wind down their careers. Origi’s still got fire to burn, and the clubs in the league know it.

By choosing MLS, Origi would also benefit from the league’s growing international exposure. With major stars like Lionel Messi now in the mix, the global media attention on MLS has never been greater. This offers Origi a unique platform. If he shines in the U.S., he might even revive his hopes of returning to the Belgian national team, something that seemed out of reach after his recent struggles.

Another plus for the Belgian is the balance between competitive soccer and quality of life in the United States. MLS, with its state-of-the-art facilities and the comfortable living in vibrant cities like Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, and New York, adds another layer of attraction. For a player who’s spent years in football hotbeds with relentless pressure, MLS could be a much-needed breath of fresh air.

And let’s not ignore the financial impact. While Origi’s salary at Milan is significant, MLS clubs have shown they’re willing to shell out big bucks to lure high-profile international players. The league has a salary cap, but with mechanisms like the Designated Player rule, franchises can exceed those limits to sign stars. Origi fits this profile perfectly, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him receive a lucrative offer to become one of the league’s marquee names.

At the same time, Milan would stand to benefit from this move. By selling Origi to an MLS club, Milan could free up a significant chunk of their wage bill and even pocket a decent transfer fee. This would give the Italian club room to strengthen with a new forward that fits better into Stefano Pioli’s plans.

For Origi, MLS wouldn’t just be a place to retreat or end his career. It would be a platform for reinvention and a chance to show the world he can still make a difference. The challenge now is timing. MLS is on a rapid upward trajectory, and Origi could very well become a key piece in this exciting new chapter.