Liverpool are reportedly set to part ways with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The English midfielder, 29, has made just three Premier League appearances for the Reds this season since returning from a long-term injury, all coming from the bench, while he has not been involved in the Champions League at all. Jurgen Klopp wants to revamp his team’s midfield unit in the summer and the central midfielder is not going to be a part of the plans moving forward.
According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have no plans to offer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain a new deal, which would see him leave on a free transfer when his contract concludes in June.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has been plagued with injuries since his move to Anfield from Arsenal back in 2017. He has played 137 times for Liverpool, scoring 17 goals. However, with the 35-cap England international set to end his time at Anfield in the summer, here are three clubs that could potentially sign him on a free transfer.
#Southampton
A product of the famed Southampton academy, Oxlade-Chamberlain made his senior team debut at the tender age of 16 and went on to play 43 times before joining Arsenal in 2011.
The English midfielder could love a return to the Saints where it all started for him. Southampton are in a rebuilding phase having appointed Graeme Jones as their new manager after sacking Ralph Hasenhuttl.
It would make sense for Jones to look at the possibility of signing Oxlade-Chamberlain next year. Oxlade-Chamberlain is an experienced player who would add much-needed quality, pedigree and leadership in midfield to this Southampton side.
#West Ham United
Oxlade-Chamberlain could still be a vital player for a mid-table Premier League team if he manages to get over his injury problems and stay fit for a sustained period. This is why West Ham must take a punt on him as they stutter in their quest to solidify their status as a top 8 side at the very least.
For that, the manager needs quality depth and also dynamic players who can push the settled central midfield contingent.
At 29, Oxlade-Chamberlain is still more than capable of challenging for a regular spot and increasing the competition in the central midfield department at West Ham. The ex-Arsenal man’s ability to play out wide, if required, could also come in handy for the Irons.
#Crystal Palace
Knowing that Oxlade-Chamberlain is a strong, hard-working and technically-sound midfield player, who can operate out wide if required, Crystal Palace should be attracted by the fact that the 35-cap England international will be released by Liverpool at the end of the season.
James McArthur is 35 and yet to play this season, while Luka Milivojevic has lost his place in the first XI since Patrick Vieira took charge of the club last year. Crystal Palace should look to move on both McArthur and Milivojevic at the end of the campaign and bring in at least one experienced midfielder in the form of Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Oxlade-Chamberlain would fit well in Vieira’s possession-based system at Selhurst Park, and his energy, experience and creativity would be of massive help to the likes of Odsonne Edouard and Jordan Ayew up top. On a potential free transfer, the 29-year-old could be a smart signing for the Eagles.
