Liverpool's next Divock Origi is locked in their sights

Richard Hughes
© IMAGO

Liverpool could soon bring in their next Divock Origi. Exactly the kind of player they've missed.

Divock Origi played a vital role for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp. He was the super sub - the player Klopp could turn to in order to change the match and find an elusive goal.

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Origi scored some of the most important goals in Liverpool's modern history as a result. A brilliant option and one the Reds sorely lack right now.

There is no reliable goalscorer from the bench. Liverpool simply don't have one and even if Alexander Isak were to return, we're still not sure they'd have one as a bench option. The plan, after all, is surely for Isak to play with Hugo Ekitike.

But it does sound as though Liverpool are eyeing up an option here. Sports Boom report that the club have eyes on Marcos Leonardo, who could soon leave Al-Hilal.

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Leonardo, who was linked with Liverpool back when he played with Santos, has 10 goals in 14 games this season and it apparently a target for a few Premier League clubs. But there's little doubt what his place would be at Anfield.

The Brazilian isn't getting in the XI ahead of Isak and Ekitike. He'd be an impact player - someone to rotate into the lineup or bring from the bench in order to add fresh firepower.

And as we know from Origi's time, that's a valuable player to have. This is one to watch, then. Leonardo could end up filling a very important role for Liverpool - if the can get a deal done.

Marcos Leonardo: Situation Summary

Al-Hilal Performance and Role

Marcos Leonardo has enjoyed a prolific first full season in Saudi Arabia following his €40 million move from Benfica in late 2024. As of April 1, 2026, the 22-year-old Brazilian striker has established himself as a clinical presence for Al-Hilal, recording 15 goals and one assist across all competitions. This tally includes 10 goals in the Saudi Pro League and three in the AFC Champions League Elite. Despite the heavy competition for places following the arrival of Karim Benzema, Leonardo has maintained a high level of performance, averaging a goal roughly every 117 minutes. His mobility and technical ability have made him a vital asset in Al-Hilal's pursuit of domestic and continental silverware.

Transfer Speculation and Future

Despite his success in Riyadh, rumors regarding a return to Europe have intensified as the summer 2026 transfer window approaches. Reports on April 1 indicate that Tottenham Hotspur is heavily scouting Leonardo as a "mobile striker" to replace Randal Kolo Muani, with a potential price tag starting at £55 million. The player is reportedly open to a Premier League move to boost his chances of becoming Brazil’s first-choice striker for the 2026 World Cup. While a winter move to São Paulo or Flamengo failed to materialize due to salary disagreements, a permanent exit from Al-Hilal looks increasingly likely this summer, with Liverpool also reportedly monitoring his situation as a high-potential attacking option.

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