Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s transition from Arsenal to Liverpool marked a journey filled with promise, injuries, and unmet potential. The once-promising English international has now completed a surprising transfer to Turkish side Besiktas after leaving Liverpool as a free agent.

  • Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s transfer to Besiktas comes after an injury-plagued stint with Liverpool, leaving as a free agent.
  • Frequent injuries, including at his time at Arsenal, have marred Oxlade-Chamberlain’s career, limiting his appearances.
  • His departure from Liverpool and transfer to Besiktas could signify a fresh start, but also highlights the challenges and risks inherent in football transfers.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 15: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Liverpool is put under pressure by Lucas Torreira of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on July 15, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 15: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Liverpool is put under pressure by Lucas Torreira of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on July 15, 2020 (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s unexpected move to Besiktas

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has completed a surprising transfer to Besiktas after leaving Liverpool at the end of the last season.

Flying into Istanbul for talks at the weekend, the 29-year-old’s move has now been made official.

The transfer comes following a worrying injury history that includes knee, ankle, and hamstring problems across his time at both Liverpool and Arsenal.

Career at Liverpool: Promise unfulfilled

Liverpool's English midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain reacts after picking up an injury during the UEFA Champions League first leg semi-final football match between Liverpool and Roma at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, north west England on April 24, 2018. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)
Liverpool’s English midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain reacts after picking up an injury during the UEFA Champions League first leg semi-final football match between Liverpool and Roma at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, north west England on April 24, 2018. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s time at Liverpool was marked by moments of brilliance but largely overshadowed by frequent absences due to injuries. He missed the first three months of the last season, limited to just 13 appearances across all competitions.

Latest Arsenal injury updates and news

Despite showing initial promise and dazzling the Anfield crowd upon his arrival from Arsenal for £32m, his progress was halted by a cruciate ligament injury against Roma in the 2018 Champions League semi-finals.

Lessons from Arsenal

Arsenal's English midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain receives medical treatment during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 1st leg football match between Arsenal and Barcelona at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 23, 2016. / AFP / JAVIER SORIANO (Photo credit should read JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images)
Arsenal’s English midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain receives medical treatment during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 1st leg football match between Arsenal and Barcelona at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 23, 2016. (Photo credit JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images)

His journey from Arsenal to Liverpool serves as a poignant reminder of the precarious nature of football careers.

During the six years at Arsenal, Oxlade-Chamberlain suffered 11 different injuries, missing 154 games.

Arsenal’s prudent approach to his contract negotiations in light of his injury history now seems justified.

New chapter with Besiktas

oxlade chamberlain fa cup finalThe move to Besiktas offers Oxlade-Chamberlain a fresh opportunity in European football.

Besiktas, having finished third last season, is competing in the Europa Conference League.

While Oxlade-Chamberlain’s departure is tinged with regret for unmet potential, his transfer to Besiktas could symbolise a new beginning.

Latest Arsenal injury updates and news