Less than a year after joining Turkish side Besiktas on a free transfer, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain finds himself among 10 players up for sale.
Less than a year after joining Turkish side Besiktas on a free transfer, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain finds himself among 10 players up for sale.
Oxlade-Chamberlain made the unexpected decision to move abroad after being released by Liverpool last summer, signing a three-year contract with Besiktas. Arriving in the Turkish Super Lig in August, he played 30 matches in his debut season in Istanbul, starting 16 games and netting four goals. However, recurring issues hampered his progress, with a torn thigh muscle sidelining him for three months and causing him to miss 18 games.
According to Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, the 30-year-old is now on the transfer list following the appointment of new manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Other notable players on the clearout list include former AC Milan forward Ante Rebic and ex-Premier League players Daniel Amartey and Arthur Masuaku. Striker Vincent Aboubakar, who previously claimed he could match Mohamed Salah’s abilities, is also reportedly available.
This isn’t the first time Oxlade-Chamberlain’s early departure has been speculated this summer. In June, Turkish outlet Sabah suggested Besiktas were open to selling him if a good offer came in. The player is reportedly positive about a return to England, with Sheffield United being mentioned as a possible destination. While Southampton was also in contention, the Daily Echo has since reported that a move is “unlikely,” although they have already welcomed back Adam Lallana.
In a December interview with Sky Sports, Oxlade-Chamberlain shared his mixed feelings about his move abroad, admitting that while he had always wanted to experience football outside the Premier League, being away from his young family led to homesickness.
“As a young player, you’re just happy to be there and playing football. But as you get older, have children, a family, those small changes make a big difference,” he explained. “When you’ve been away for four days a week and your little one is at home still in England, it becomes a different kind of struggle. I’m Face Timing home, and my child is asking why I’m still playing football and when I’m coming back. Those moments can be mentally challenging.”
Now, with his future at Besiktas uncertain, Oxlade-Chamberlain may be looking at a potential return to familiar grounds in England.
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