Liverpool's Advanced Signing of Divock Origi May Have Caused Striker Headache

After Liverpool’s dreary start to the season, particularly in attacking ammunition, the arrival of forward Divock Origi couldn’t come sooner—but have the Reds backed themselves into a difficult corner over the Belgium international?

For those at the back, Origi is spending 2014-15 on loan at French side Lille, where he’s scored three goals in 11 appearances and another in Europa League action.

Meanwhile, back on Merseyside, Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini are yet to score a Premier League goal between them this season, and Liverpool languish in 11th place in the table.

Jon Super/Associated Press

The Reds had no option but to delay Origi's debut for the club, with Lille demanding he spend one more season at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, but the dilemma they face now is finding how they can improve their attacking options in the January transfer window with Origi set to join in the summer.

Having just spent £20 million on Balotelli and Lambert, and having kept Borini—who had an accepted £14 million pricetag against his name but refused to leave—how can Liverpool justify signing a new striker this winter with the £10 million acquisition of Origi set to arrive in the summer?

Some would argue that Liverpool’s domestic landscape may look very different by January with Daniel Sturridge set to return from almost three months on the sidelines next week.

Indeed, there is much anticipation regarding Sturridge’s return and the chance for him to form a lively partnership with Balotelli, rejuvenating Liverpool’s season. However, that’s a lot of hope and expectation, as Matt Ladson explained for Metro this week:

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Without a clinical goalscorer, Liverpool have suffered, but after so long on the sidelines it could take him time to return to the goalscoring exploits of last season when he hit 24 goals in all competitions.

Liverpool’s problems aren’t consigned to their lack of goals; the defence has been arguably worse than last season, while the midfield has lacked energy, dynamism or spark. Sturridge being back should help all those issues, but it won’t solve them. 

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When Origi eventually begins his career at Anfield, the 19-year-old must not be viewed as the potential saviour of Liverpool. Too much pressure and responsibility on such young shoulders will do no one any favours. 

That pressure is already mounting on the youngster, with multiple calls for Liverpool to renegotiate the loan deal with Lille and bring Origi’s arrival forward to January.

Former defender Mark Lawrenson wrote in his Liverpool Echo column, as per The Sport Review: "He has a lot going for him. He is quick and a handful. And he is better than Mario Balotelli is at present."

Such speculation even prompted Origi to clarify that he is committed to Lille for the rest of the campaign.

In the meantime, Liverpool may well find themselves with their hands tied, relying on Sturridge to spark an improvement in both Balotelli and the team’s form. Meanwhile, Borini and Lambert look set to continue bit-part roles for Brendan Rodgers' side.

Arguably only the sale of Borini would open up the funds for Liverpool to delve into the limited striker market this January, but given the Italian’s refusal to leave Anfield earlier this year, who knows if that's viable.

Furthermore, if Liverpool are to reconstruct their season to push for a top-four finish, a striker of higher and more proven quality and calibre may be required.

Does Origi's forthcoming arrival hinder the club's options?