Leeds United are eyeing a surprise move to sign former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a free transfer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The Elland Road side are believed to be among the England international’s suitors along with Birmingham City and are monitoring Oxlade-Chamberlain’s situation closely following the closure of the transfer window.
The 32-year-old is a free agent after being released by Turkish side Besiktas in August, with several clubs now looking to take a low-cost gamble on the midfielder.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has endured two injury-hit seasons in Turkey following his arrival at Besiktas in the summer of 2023, where he amassed 50 appearances and scored five goals.
Birmingham are believed to be leading candidates to sign the 32-year-old ahead of several Premier League and Championship clubs, including newly-promoted Leeds.
Leeds Eyeing Oxlade-Chamberlain Move
According to O’Rourke, Oxlade-Chamberlain is preparing for a return to English football in the latter stages of his career, having spent the last two seasons in Turkey.
The 32-year-old would bring significant experience to any interested side, with 235 Premier League and 50 Champions League appearances from his time with Arsenal and Liverpool.
He was part of the Liverpool squad that won the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League a year later, and is also a four-time FA Cup winner, lifting three of the titles with Arsenal.
Oxlade-Chamberlain last played in England in 2022/23, when he made 13 appearances for Liverpool during the season, with a hamstring injury limiting his involvement.
He helped Besiktas win the Turkish Cup in 2023/24 and made 20 appearances last term, with his only goal coming in the 1-0 win over Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in December.
Leeds oversaw a busy summer transfer window following their Championship victory, with 10 new signings arriving at Elland Road, including midfielder Anton Stach and left-winger Noah Okafor.
Daniel Farke’s side spent close to £100m on new arrivals, while the likes of Patrick Bamford, Largie Ramazani, Mateo Joseph and Isaac Schmidt departed.
Leeds sit 12th in the Premier League table after the first three games, having collected four points from a possible nine, with their only victory coming on the opening weekend in a 1-0 win against Everton at home.
Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Report to get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.