Adam Underwood seems to be closing in on his first signing as Leeds United’s new sporting director after stepping up moves for Habib Diarra and Jaka Bijol this week – and there is more to come.
Paraag Marathe has promised to spend every available penny without breaking PSR limits. The 49ers have set aside £150m with four priority positions identified: a goalkeeper, centre-back, midfielder and striker.
Signing Bijol from Udinese and Strasbourg captain Diarra solves two of those four issues. But Leeds need more and not just a goalkeeper and a striker, the club needs a no.10 and to replace two key players.
Junior Firpo and Manor Solomon are likely to be at different clubs next season, meaning an entire left flank is required. Depth is also required in midfield behind Diarra, with two central midfielders leaving.
Photo by dia images via Getty ImagesLeeds have made an offer to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
So, why not sign a player who can do a bit of everything? Central midfield, playing out wide and even in a more advanced role like Brenden Aaronson’s current position? Step forward, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Back in January, Leeds were linked with the Besiktas midfielder who has been reborn under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Norwegian gaffer has made him first choice in the middle of the park for Besiktas.
The England international has managed to put injuries to one side and start game after game for the Super Lig giants. Now, reports are coming from Turkey about a bid made by Leeds for the midfielder.
Journalist Firat Gunayer told The Rabona podcast that Leeds had made an offer for Oxlade-Chamberlain and he was keen on the move. He is quoted as saying that there is an offer on the table from Leeds.
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Rabona posted on their X account: “Fırat Günayer: Leeds United has an offer for Alex Oxlade Chamberlain. The player is also keen on leaving.’” Then, Turkish outlet Spor Haber 7 reported the same, in more detail.
They say that not only does Oxlade-Chamberlain want to leave but because of his high salary, Besiktas are willing to let him go. It appears then that if Leeds want the 31-year-old ace, they can quite easily get him.
Photo by Seskim Photo/MB Media/Getty ImagesThe clear issue with Leeds signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
A fit, raring to go, spring-in-his-step Oxlade-Chamberlain would be a superb signing. A player able to play in a number of positions, providing cover to the starting XI and offering Premier League experience.
His knees are not what they once were, undergoing numerous operations after an ACL injury. What is being portrayed is a lesser version of the Oxlade-Chamberlain that starred at Arsenal and Liverpool.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s 2024-25 stats compared to Brenden Aaronson:
He has lost a yard or more of pace, and perhaps there is an uncertainty to fly into tackles as he once did. The slower, less intense nature of the Turkish league is perhaps Oxlade-Chamberlain’s level right now.