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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has seen his contract at Besikas ripped up, according to reports in Turkey.
The former Liverpool midfielder joined the Istanbul club in 2023, ending his six-year stint at Anfield. Oxlade-Chamberlain has had mixed fortunes since his move to Besiktas, and was frozen out of the side by Giovanni van Bronckhorst last season.
He regained his place in the side after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced the now the Liverpool coach, and in two injury-impacted seasons, Oxalde-Chamberlain has made 50 appearances. The midfielder enjoyed a prolonged run in the side last season, playing 11 consecutive league matches under Solskjaer between January to April.
But, it now seems like he has been deemed surplus to requirements.
As per Turkish outlet, Yeni Safak, Besiktas has paid Oxlade-Chamberlain a €1.4million ($1.6M/$1.2M) fee to terminate his contract with the club. The ex-Arsenal and Southampton had a year remaining on his deal, and is reportedly drawing interest from the Premier League.
Leeds United have been credited with interest in the 31-year-old, who earned 35 England caps during his impressive career.
Leicester City has also been reported as a possible destination for Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is said to be struggling with his long-distance relationship with fiance Perrie Edwards.
Having tended to operate as an attacking midfielder during his career in the Premier League, Oxlade-Chamberlain has become a more versatile player in Turkey, often operating in a holding role or box-to-box position. He even played at right-back in a defeat to Basaksehir in April.
Given he would essentially be a free agent, and would bring a wealth of experience and talent, a move to a low-level Premier League club seems like an ideal fit.
Leeds, in particular, would offer an intriguing opportunity for Oxlade-Chamberlain as the newly promoted club looks to build a squad capable of staving off relegation.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has every major honor in England, including the Premier League and Champions League during his time at Liverpool.
The midfielder also won the Carabao Cup and Club World Cup under Jurgen Klopp, and in 2022 added another FA Cup winners’ medal to his hoard of three from Arsenal.
A 2024 Turkish Cup triumph means his collection only increased from his time at Besiktas. The news of Oxlade-Chamberlain’s exit comes as Solskjaer's side is also reportedly set to sign former Southampton man Kyle Walker-Peters.
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