Liverpool Transfer News: Divock Origi Rumours Clarified by Brendan Rodgers

Liverpool acquired Divock Origi from Lille in July before sending him back out on loan to the French club. Now, with the Reds seeking more options on the attack, questions are being raised about what the Premier League side would need to do for him to return early.

David Anderson of the Daily Mirror reports there's been some resistance from Lille, which are hoping to keep him for the entire campaign. He notes Liverpool may be forced to pay an additional £5 million if they want him to come back in January.

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Despite Lille's resistance in public, Liverpool hope they will be more amenable in private, particularly as the Ligue 1 side could have little to play for after January because of their disappointing form so far.

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Reds manager Brendan Rodgers was asked about the situation. James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo provided the response, which suggests the forward's status hasn't changed:

So it does sound like there was an agreement in place as part of the original transfer to let Origi spend the entire season with Lille. It appears Rodgers doesn't plan to challenge that as of now, but it's unknown if his stance may chance before January.

Martin Keown of the Daily Mail questioned the deal given the fact Liverpool knew it would need more attacking talent. He believes the ultimate decision will depend on whether Mario Balotelli is able to rediscover top form in the time before the window opens:

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I have to say I thought it was a bizarre deal in the first place. They desperately needed a striker and paid for Origi but sent him out on loan. If they do end up paying extra to bring him in early, it's essentially because they spent £16 million on Mario Balotelli and that didn't work. Liverpool don't have a bottomless pit of money, and they can't play Balotelli and Origi, so much of it will depend on how the Italian does in the next six weeks.

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Then there's the concern about whether or not Origi can provide an immediate boost. At 19, there would still be a learning curve if he made the transition to Premier League football. He's been solid, but not extraordinary, for Lille with three goals in 11 leagues appearances.

One way or another Rodgers will have to look into several different possibilities in order to bolster the attack in January. For now, it doesn't sound like bringing Origi back is atop the list.