Leeds United have been touted with a shock move to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Turkish giants Besiktas before next Monday’s deadline, and LeedsUnited.News has an exclusive update.
The 31-year-old has spent the last 18 months with Besiktas after leaving Liverpool in the summer of 2023. Last season, he scored for goals in 30 appearances and this term, he has managed just six outings.
Injury continues to hamper the 35-time England international and now in the final 18 months of his deal, the versatile ace has been touted with a return to his home country and Premier League clubs are keen.
Indeed, Leicester and Wolves have been linked with him while Leeds are also keeping tabs on Oxlade-Chamberlain ahead of the January deadline next Monday. But Besiktas are set to block any approach.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stance on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Former Manchester United player and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has taken over at Besiktas, and he handed Oxlade-Chamberlain only his second start of 24-25 on Sunday during a 1-1 draw vs Antalyaspor.
If any clubs are to sign Oxlade-Chamberlain, they would have to move quickly but according to Graeme Bailey, they would also have to convince Besiktas into a sale. Bailey gave an update to LeedsUnited.News.
Bailey says he will not be leaving Besiktas this month: “[He is] not leaving Besiktas. I understand that with Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] going in there, a player he likes. He was a bit out of the picture earlier this season.
“But Solskjaer doesn’t want to lose him. It’s one of those where a new manager has come in, likes him a lot. He might have been an option, but not now. He could be an option in the summer but it depends.”
James Milner’s 2019 verdict proof he would be ideal for Leeds
Having played alongside Oxlade-Chamberlain at Liverpool, James Milner once explained why the former England star is so good in attacking midfield. Milner said Oxlade-Chamberlain is good between the lines.
Leeds have Brenden Aaronson but lack competition for the no.10 role. Daniel Farke has made it clear he would like to sign competition for Aaronson, as well as a new striker and possible even a central defender.
But it appears Leeds will have to look at other targets before the Monday deadline with former Arsenal star Oxlade-Chamberlain set to stay in Turkey until the end of the season at the very earliest.
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