Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: Leeds and Birmingham race to complete deal
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is eyeing a return to English football with Birmingham City and Leeds United among his suitors after leaving Besiktas in August.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about the 32-year-old’s future as a number of clubs eye moves for the free agent.
The former Arsenal midfielder left Liverpool to join Besiktas in 2023 and made 50 appearances before being frozen out of the first-team squad and eventually released.
Leeds have shown an interest in Oxlade-Chamberlain, but Birmingham have now emerged as leading candidates for his signature as part of their ambitious plans.
His availability as a free agent has put a number of English clubs both in the Championship and Premier League on alert following the close of the transfer window.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has had a difficult injury history, but clubs may be willing to take the gamble given the absence of a transfer fee in a low-risk move.
Leeds United and Birmingham race to sign Oxlade-Chamberlain
Birmingham completed deals for a number of big-name stars including the likes of Demarai Gray, Kyogo Furuhashi and Bright Osayi-Samuel during the summer window.
Oxlade-Chamberlain could now be the next through the door, as he prepares to return to English football in the latter stages of his career.
O’Rourke explained that a number of Premier League, Championship and European teams are keeping an eye on his situation with developments expected “soon”.
“Oxlade-Chamberlain is available as well,” he told Football Insider.
“A number of clubs have been having a look at him.
“He’s got a great CV, played for Arsenal and Liverpool, he’s a Champions League and Premier League winner from his time at Liverpool.
“Now that he’s left Besiktas, clubs have been put on alert by his availability.
“There’s interest from clubs in the Premier League, Championship and across Europe as well, with Leeds and Birmingham among them.
“So I’m sure he’d be ready to return to England after a couple of years away, and I expect there will be some movement on his future soon.”
Josh Brownhill makes decision in blow to Premier League clubs
Oxlade-Chamberlain is not the only free agent Leeds had been interested in following the end of the transfer window, with Josh Brownhill also on their radar.
However, Football Insider revealed on 5 September that Leeds are set to miss out on Brownhill after he agreed a deal to sign for Saudi Pro League outfit Al Shabab.
Reports have claimed the former Burnley midfielder is set to put pen to paper on a deal which will see him earn over £100,000 per week in the Middle East.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider last month that Leeds had joined the race to sign Brownhill, with Celtic also keen.
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