Liverpool May Now Refuse To Let Star Forward Leave

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been heavily linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer, but Takumi Minamino’s exit means the Ox will now likely stay at Anfield.  

After a few weeks of speculation, Monaco have now emerged as favourites to sign Minamino this trsnfer window.

According to The Mirror, the Ligue 1 side are prepared to spend £17 million on the Japanese midfielder.

As a result of his impending departure, Jürgen Klopp now feels it’d be wise for him to keep Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain around for another season.

Rumours linking him to the likes of Manchester United and West Ham have died down in recent weeks, lending to the idea that the 28-year-old could be sticking around for another season.

The news will likely disappoint some of Liverpool’s younger stars. Harvey Elliot was looking to push on next season amid an injury ravaged 2021/22 campaign, and new signing Fabio Carvalho was also hoping to collect valuable minutes in the middle of the park. Oxlade-Chamberlain’s presence may limit their opportunities.

Oxlade-Chamberlain may be a bit disappointed himself. He’s enjoyed some strong spells at Liverpool, especially soon after joining the Reds from Arsenal in a £35 million deal in 2017, but a fresh challenge could’ve done him some good this summer.

After tearing his ACL at the conclusion of his debut season on Merseyside, Oxlade-Chamberlain’s hopes of starting at the 2018 World Cup evaporated.

He’s failed to hit the heights of his pre-injury form since his return to play.

Many thus believed moving on to pastures new was exactly what the former Arsenal man needed. However, with Naby Keita set to extend his contract at Liverpool and James Milner sticking around, his first-team chances will remain limited.

If an attractive offer for the England international arrives, the Reds wouldn’t be averse to letting him go. Nonetheless, for the time being, it’d appear he’ll be staying with the Champions League finalists for another season.