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This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

According to the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool are prepared to keep Divock Origi for the 2019/20 campaign and allow him to leave on a free next summer when his contract expires if need be, regardless of if he signs a new deal.

What's the word, then?

Well, contract talks do seem to be progressing well after positive talks were held, and the Belgian is now on holiday considering the 'lucrative' offer handed to him by the Reds.

Origi emerged as somewhat of a fan favourite last term due to his knack of bagging hugely important goals. The 96th-minute strike to win the Merseyside derby at Anfield kicked off a string of iconic strikes from the 6 foot 1 striker, and famous goals against Barcelona and Tottenham helped the Reds win their sixth major European cup.

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His impact off the bench was vital for Jurgen Klopp, and the Liverpool No.27 has risen from enduring an underwhelming loan spell with Wolfsburg in 2017/18 to becoming a hero at Anfield.

Liverpool have their stance on Origi spot on

Whilst it would be sad if Origi left for free next summer if he didn't agree terms on a new deal this year, Liverpool have their stance on the Belgian's future spot on.

Losing him this summer when no new faces have been brought in to improve the first team would presumably cause uproar amongst some of the supporters, who are keen to see some signings come in through the door.

Additionally, first choice striker Roberto Firmino is currently on Copa America duty and will be granted an extended holiday, meaning he won't have a full pre-season with the Reds - he should make the start of the campaign, but Klopp may presumably leave him out in a bid to get him up to speed whilst Origi gets some starts.

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The Belgian will almost definitely get his chances in pre-season to stake a claim for a starting spot, and if he can start the season on fire whilst Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane recover from their summer exploits with their respective nations, it could be pivotal in helping Liverpool realise their ambitions for the campaign.

No matter if he leaves for free next summer, Origi must be kept on to in the here and now - the decision not to offload him is a wise one from Michael Edwards and Liverpool.