Liverpool
Premier League • England
Liverpool man to get last chance at career revival as Premier League side plots cheeky January swoop
Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could swap Anfield for another Premier League club this month after they began targeting a January move for him, according to reports.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has endured a downward spiral in his career. After coming through the Southampton academy, he joined Arsenal in August 2011 when the Gunners paid £15million for him.
Oxlade-Chamberlain was just 17 years old at the time and Arsenal were hoping he could become a crucial player for them for years to come.
The Englishman went on to make 198 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 20 goals and helping them to win three FA Cups and three Community Shields. However, his spell at the Emirates was also affected by injuries in pretty much every season.
He left Arsenal in August 2017 by signing for Liverpool on a long-term contract. As per Sky Sports, the move was worth £35m.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has mainly been used as a squad player during his time at Liverpool, helping to deputise for usual midfielders Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Thiago (plus Gini Wijnaldum when he was at the club).
Just like in his Arsenal days though, Oxlade-Chamberlain has been badly affected by injuries. He was unavailable for selection for the first 11 weeks of the current campaign due to a hamstring problem. To make matters worse for Jurgen Klopp, fellow midfielder Naby Keita is similarly prone to injuries.
Both of their contract expires in the summer. And while they both possess good ability, Liverpool are likely to let them depart so they can bring in midfielders who are more reliable in terms of fitness.
Liverpool exit set to be confirmed
The Daily Mail have now provided their information on Oxlade-Chamberlain’s future. They state the 29-year-old will be leaving Liverpool at some point this year, it is just a case of when it happens.
Klopp can either decide to keep him for the rest of the season and let him go for free in the summer, or sell for a small price in January.
The report claims interest in Oxlade-Chamberlain is growing, particularly from Premier League teams. And Brighton are one of the frontrunners to snare him.
They are ‘monitoring’ his situation ahead of a potential January move. And the Seagulls will be cheeky too, as they want to sign Oxlade-Chamberlain on a free this month.
It is hard to see Liverpool accepting this proposal. They will at least want a small fee to let Oxlade-Chamberlain go straight away. But by approaching the Reds in this manner, Brighton will find out their asking price.
Oxlade-Chamberlain joining Brighton from Liverpool would cap off his fall from the top. He has won 35 caps for England and was hyped as the next big thing during his Southampton days.
However, fitness woes have prevented him from reaching his huge potential. And he must now attempt to revive his career, potentially at the Amex.
Brighton could be a great destination for Oxlade-Chamberlain. He could follow in Adam Lallana’s footsteps by becoming an important player for the Seagulls after leaving Liverpool.
Brighton are an attractive prospect right now, too. They are actually above Liverpool in the table. Plus, they could end up qualifying for European competition for next season if their impressive form continues.