Divock Origi was disappointing for AC Milan last season and an exit for him is not excluded, especially after he was left out of the squad list for the USA tour. He was placed on the transfer list by the Rossoneri mercato team and it seems that there are clubs in Saudi Arabia interested in him.
A pricetag on the Belgian striker has not been set by the Rossoneri though. Because he arrived on a free, any sale, even for a minimal amount would be a capital gain for the club's finances. What is crucial for CEO Giorgio Furlani, though, is to save on salaries expenses, according to Calciomercato.com.
Origi's contract, is valid until the summer of 2026. AC Milan and the player benefited from tax advantages under the Decreto Crescita, which reduced the taxable amount, resulting in an annual gross cost of 5.5 million euros for his earnings. This tax relief, however, requires a mandatory two-year stay in Italy, and thus, if Origi is transferred this summer, Milan would have to reimburse the discounted tax amounts to the Italian treasury. So, how much does Milan save? It's straightforward: 5.5 million gross per year for four years equals 22 million euros projected at the time of the purchase, and this needs to be reduced by the 5.5 million already paid this year, about 2.5 million to be returned due to the "break" of the Decreto Crescita, and the salary for July, which will be paid today. In total, it amounts to about 13.3 million euros saved in case of his departure.
AC Milan push for the exit of Origi...
The former Liverpool striker had strongly rejected offers from Saudi Arabia. However, the prospect of staying in Milan outside the squad and be excluded from the roster in the year leading to the 2024 Euros competition in Germany, is leading him to reconsider the Saudi league. Four clubs are interested in him, including Al Ettifaq, led by former Liverpool player Steven Gerrard, who knows him well. It's up to Origi to make a decision about his future, and Milan is ready to say goodbye, even at discounted costs.
