Newcastle tipped to sign Origi for ‘nothing’ this month after Edwards update – pundit
Signing Divock Origi for £7million this month is a “no brainer” for Newcastle, according to Kevin Phillips.
The former Sunderland striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the cut-price fee is “nothing” for a striker of the 26-year-old’s calibre.
According to the Telegraph‘s Luke Edwards (6 January), Origi has been slapped with a price tag of just £7million by Liverpool, with the Belgian a target for strugglers Newcastle.
The striker has netted five goals in 10 appearances for the Merseyside club in the 2021/22 season, despite not starting a Premier League game this term.
Phillips suggested the pressure of Newcastle’s impending relegation dogfight will not faze the Belgium international.
“If you were talking £17-20m, then I would be very sceptical,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“But £7m, I just don’t get it. He’s shown that on his day, he’s a handful.
“And with Callum Wilson injured, it’s a no brainer – 100%. He’s played in massive games and scored huge goals. It’s not going to affect him, playing in front of 55,000 at St James’ Park – he’s done it all before.
“The fee is nothing, the wages are not going to be ridiculous. It’s a no brainer, as long as you’re getting the Origi we’ve seen before.”
Origi netted in the 2019 Champions League final as Liverpool beat Tottenham 2-0 in the Madrid showpiece.
Newcastle sit 19th in the Premier League having won just once this term.
The Magpies face fellow strugglers Watford on Saturday.
In other news, ex-Premier League referee thinks Newcastle star should get extended ban after analysing controversial footage.