Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain stands at the centre of the summer transfer rumour mill, as Birmingham City plot a bold move to bring the former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder back to English football. After a rollercoaster two-year spell in Turkey, the 32-year-old is reportedly a free agent and now weighs a Championship switch.
Besiktas Exit Ends a Dramatic Turkish Chapter
Last week, Besiktas and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain mutually agreed to terminate his contract, with the Turkish club paying a €1.4 million (£1.25m) severance. The club wanted to free up wages after only 25 league starts in two seasons.
Despite early promise—helping Besiktas clinch the Turkish Cup—his time in Istanbul was blighted by injury, inconsistent selection, and a turbulent period with nine different managers. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain found himself frozen out of the squad for months in the 2024/25 season but returned in December to score a winner against Fenerbahce in a rare late highlight.
Birmingham City Lead the Chase for Experienced Midfielder
Birmingham City, now holding ambitious aspirations under the part-ownership of NFL star Tom Brady, have set sights on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The club returned to the Championship after a dominant League One campaign and sit sixth after two matches this term.
Birmingham believe their financial firepower, new American backing, and clear project can convince Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to spearhead their promotion push. Chairman Tom Wagner and co-owner Brady are keen on leveraging his winning mentality and leadership to lift the club on and off the pitch.
The Blues are not the only club in the race. Premier League outfits and newly-promoted Leeds United have shown interest, recognising Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s experience and dressing room presence. Championship sides welcome his availability as his partner Perrie Edwards’ plans make UK return likelier.
Liverpool and Arsenal Memories Still Shine
Many fans still associate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with his glory days at Liverpool and Arsenal. At Arsenal, he racked up 198 appearances, scored 20 goals, and won three FA Cups. He moved to Liverpool for £35 million in 2017, netting crucial goals in the Champions League and lifting both the Premier League and Champions League trophies.
During six seasons at Liverpool, he experienced multiple highs—scoring long-range goals, playing key roles in cup runs, and recovering from a devastating ACL injury that hampered his regular starting prospects. Despite injuries, he contributed six league goals and helped Klopp’s Reds win the 2019/20 title.
England Career and International Perspective
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has 35 England caps, scoring seven times, and featured in multiple major tournaments. He made his Three Lions debut in 2012 and became the second-youngest England Euro player after Wayne Rooney.
Injuries prevented him from larger international roles, but he scored in World Cup qualifiers, impressed in midfield, and remains respected as an ambassador for the national team.
Besiktas and Injury Struggles
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s Turkish adventure came at a difficult stage. With frequent injuries—including hamstring and thigh issues—and a crowded squad, he never managed a long consecutive run of games. Besiktas excluded him from European squads and even first-team training at times.
He featured in 50 matches for the club, scoring five goals across all competitions. Fans in Istanbul praised his professionalism and appreciated flashes of his trademark dynamism, but persistent setbacks and managerial instability undermined his impact.
Personal Motivation and Career Ambition
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has signalled his determination to prove his quality again in England. Insiders say he values being part of a competitive, ambitious project and hopes to remain a key player rather than a rotational option.
The experienced midfielder now focuses on staying fit and choosing a club that values his experience. With time in England and Turkey, he brings not only on-pitch ability but the resilience to inspire younger teammates through adversity.
Why Birmingham Are Confident
Birmingham’s management believe they offer the perfect platform for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s “last dance” in English football. With strong ownership, a competitive squad, and potential for Premier League promotion, they feel the project aligns with Oxlade-Chamberlain’s ambitions.
Perrie Edwards, his partner from Little Mix, plans to split her time between Turkey and the UK. This adds weight to his potential return to English football and a more settled family life as their young child begins nursery school.
Transfer Window Timeline and Player Market
With the transfer window closing in two weeks, interest in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could trigger a bidding war. Besiktas made him available for a modest fee, and now as a free agent, the battle among EFL and Premier League clubs accelerates.
For Birmingham, landing such a high-profile free agent could transform their season and excite a fanbase eager for a return to the top flight.
Legacy and Supporter Hopes
Fans in England recall Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for his bravery, ball-carrying ability, and knack for scoring big goals. At 32, he retains the respect of former club supporters and could command a new leadership role at Birmingham.
Supporters hope he can replicate past form and act as a role model for the Championship squad. At this pivotal moment, Oxlade-Chamberlain’s experience could be the edge Birmingham needs.
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