Divock Origi weighs up offers from Liverpool, Tottenham after World Cup exploits

Thursday, July 10, 2014

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Divock Origi greets King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium during the Belgian football team’s reception at the royal palace in Brussels on July 7, 2014. PHOTO | BENNOIT DOPPAIGNE  AFP

In Summary

• Liverpool were thought to have finalised a deal for Origi from French side Lille two weeks ago but late interest from Spurs means he has a difficult decision to make.
• A move to Spurs might appeal to Origi as the London-based club already have a number of Belgian internationals.

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By Paul Redfern
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Divock Origi says he will take a little time to weigh up which English Premier League club he will be moving to next season after Tottenham Hotspur matched Liverpool’s £10 million offer for the striker.

Origi, the son of former Kenya international Mike Okoth became the youngest scorer at this year’s World Cup when he scored Belgium’s 88th minute winner against Russia on June 22.

Liverpool were thought to have finalised a deal for Origi from French side Lille two weeks ago but late interest from Spurs means he has a difficult decision to make.

The Anfield-based club are thought to have promised Lille he would be loaned back to them next season while Tottenham want Origi to supplement their forward line and provide competition to Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado.

A move to Spurs might appeal to Origi as the London-based club already have a number of Belgian internationals, among them Mousa Dembele, Jan Vertonghen and Nacer Chadli.

But Liverpool have the lure of Champions League football if they decide to keep him at Anfield rather than loan him out. The 19-year-old says his decision will be based on which club will be the best place for him to develop: “I’m still thinking about it,” Origi told Belgian television channel TV Limburg.

“It is true there are offers from all over Europe. Now I have to look carefully where I will grow as a player and as a person. All will be clear within two weeks.”

Origi came on as a substitute for Romelu Lukaku in the 58th minute of the opening Group H game against Algeria in Belo Horizonte on June 17.

He comes from a Kenyan footballing family. His father Okoth played for Belgian teams KV Oostende and Racing Genk as well as Harambee Stars.

His uncle, Austin Oduor, played for Gor Mahia. His other uncles Gerald and Anthony played for Tusker and his cousin Arnold is goalkeeper for Norway side Lillestrøm.