Pellegrini would be very wise to sign this 23-year-old Liverpool attacker on loan in January – opinion

Why West Ham must make a January swoop for Divock Origi

Liverpool have made a sensational start to the new Premier League season, winning all six games so far but striker Divock Origi has not featured so far.

Origi, 23, is currently out injured and does not seem like he is close to breaking into the Reds’ first-team under Jurgen Klopp this term. The Belgian international finds himself way down the pecking order and the only way he would get regular minutes on the pitch is by exiting Anfield in January.

The Belgian needs to go out on loan in January in order to get his career back on track. He currently finds himself on the fringes, so making a switch away from Anfield could be his best chance to revive his career. Considering Origi’s situation at Liverpool, should West Ham make a move for the striker in January?

Origi hasn’t yet played for Liverpool this season after spending the last campaign out on loan at Wolfsburg. He injured his ankle while playing for Liverpool’s Under-23s earlier this month but by the time the transfer window reopens, the centre-forward could attain full fitness and West Ham should then make a loan move for him.

West Ham began the campaign with four consecutive defeats but have steadied the ship since, by beating Everton at Goodison Park, holding Chelsea to a goalless draw and beating Man United on Saturday. Those results have lifted the Hammers out of the relegation zone.

Having spent a lot of money in the summer transfer window, Pellegrini’s West Ham were expected to have a good start in the Premier League. However, the scripts have gone in a completely different way. While the defence remains West Ham’s Achilles heel despite Pellegrini bringing in a couple of defenders, the London-based club have also struggled to score goals.

Marko Arnautovic remains West Ham’s talisman but he has had his injury problems lately. Javier Hernandez is on the decline, while Andy Carroll is a long-term casualty. That leaves Pellegrini with Lucas Perez as his only option up front. Hence, it would make sense if Pellegrini adds Origi in January to bolster his attacking ranks in January.

Blessed with explosive pace and power, Origi has been unfortunate with injuries since damaging his ankle in 2016. He is strong in the air, is a tenacious player and is an athlete with terrific pace. Tall and robust, Origi can also be the target man up top which would fit West Ham’s style of play under Pellegrini.

Read more: Opinion – West Ham are doing the right thing by offering a new contract to this 19-year-old prodigy

Without any second thoughts, Pellegrini must sign Origi in January to give West Ham the push they need for the second half of the campaign.