Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's career goes from bad to worse after leaving Liverpool

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain faces being left in the cold at Besiktas this season after being omitted from their Europa League squad.

The former Liverpool midfielder was told he was free to leave the Turkish giants this summer after being left behind for a pre-season training camp in Slovenia back in July. But Oxlade-Chamberlain's wages have proven problematic for suitors and discussions over the potential termination of his contract have so far failed to reach a positive conclusion.

Turkish sources claim Brentford and Bournemouth were among several clubs that would have considered signing the 31-year-old Englishman on a free transfer, had he become a free agent. But now Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has been eyeing a return to the Premier League after leaving Liverpool , is willing to fight for his place in Istanbul where his deal does not expire until the summer of 2026.

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Earlier this week, Besiktas general secretary Kaan Saku provided an update on the player's situation during an interview with broadcaster TRT Spor, stating: “He was the first name to go. He thought he would find a club for himself. He gave us a price. He said, ‘If you pay, I will go.’ But he also gave up.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain scored four goals in 22 appearances in all competitions last season, winning the Turkish Super Cup. The Turkish transfer window does not close until September 13 meaning Besiktas could still seek to find a buyer within their homeland.

The midfielder left the Reds in 2023, making 146 appearances during an injury hit six seasons. He won the Premier League and Champions during his time at Anfield but failed to show his true potential consistently. Assessing his time at Liverpool, Oxlade-Chamberlain opened up to the Mirror.

‌“It’s gone quick! There were definitely spells when I felt I was playing the best I’ve ever played and in the position I’ve always wanted to play, in midfield,” he said. “That’s what made it feel more special because that was the reason I came here.

“Winning the Premier League was really special for me. It’s a shame we lifted the trophy in Covid because it would have been insane with the fans there.”