Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be released by Liverpool at the end of the season but he will not be without a club as three Premier League sides are lining up to sign him, according to reports.
The former Southampton youth joined Liverpool from Arsenal in 2017 for £35 million. However, he has struggled to fit into Jürgen Klopp’s team, only being used sparingly every season since then. However, he has amassed an impressive trophy haul and has contributed in his own little way to all those triumphs.
Injuries have also contributed to his struggles for game time at the Anfield club and now, both the club and the player are set to part ways after six seasons.
The 29-year-old would have left the club in January for Brighton and Hove Albion who earmarked him as a replacement for Leandro Trossard, who moved on to Arsenal for £27 million. Liverpool required a free but the Seagulls chose not to take that option as they were aware of the fact that he will be available for free in the summer.
Their plans could be derailed by the reports that both Newcastle United and Aston Villa have joined the race for his signature in the summer.
Newcastle and Aston Villa are said to be willing to match Oxlade-Chamberlain’s salary but there is no news on Brighton’s plans. There is also no news on the 29-year-old midfielder’s intentions after he leaves Anfield in June.
All three clubs have interesting prospects for Oxlade-Chamberlain as far as game time is concerned. Should he stay fit, he can easily compete with Kaoru Mitoma on the left of Brighton’s midfield. In Newcastle, Eddie Howe could give him more opportunities as he will be an experienced addition to the side currently made up of only a few with title winning experience.
At Villa, the former Arsenal midfielder will link up with Unai Emery, one of the most experienced coaches in England and a winner of three European titles. The Spaniard could take his game to another level and give him a shot at the Three Lions squad once again.
Based on form and potential, however, Brighton holds the most promise for the midfielder. Newcastle, on the other hand, guarantees him European football next season, and that is something he has enjoyed all his career.
His exit from Anfield, on the other hand, could see the club delve into the market. There has been no reportage on their transfer plans as yet, especially with James Milner and Naby Keita both running out of contract in June and likely to face the same fate as Oxlade-Chamberlain. However, the club will be investing heavily in the midfield this summer so they can stay competitive next season.
