Leicester target former Liverpool star following harsh Besiktas decision – report

In a dramatic twist that could see a familiar face return to English football, former Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Leicester City. The Championship club is keen on securing the services of the 31-year-old following a major decision by Turkish side Besiktas.

According to reports from Turkish outlet Fotomac, Besiktas are actively working to part ways with Oxlade-Chamberlain due to his substantial wages. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who took charge of the Istanbul-based club after a turbulent spell out of management, is believed to have greenlighted the player’s exit as part of a broader squad overhaul.

“Leicester City, an English club, has submitted a bid for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was let go by Solskjaer at Besiktas, and whose departure is being facilitated by the club’s management because of his salary,” Fotomac reported. “If the player agrees terms with the English side, the club will help make the transfer happen.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Besiktas in August 2023 after leaving Liverpool as a free agent. While expectations were high for the former Premier League and Champions League winner, his stint in Turkey has been mixed — marked by moments of quality but also plagued by persistent injury concerns, a recurring theme in his career.

Despite the setbacks, Oxlade-Chamberlain has remained a consummate professional and a respected figure in the Besiktas dressing room. His experience and leadership were seen as key assets when he arrived, but the club’s financial situation appears to have forced their hand.

Leicester City’s interest in the England international signals their intent to push for Premier League promotion after narrowly missing out last season. With veteran leadership and Premier League pedigree in high demand, Oxlade-Chamberlain’s availability presents a strategic opportunity for the Foxes.

During his time at Liverpool, Oxlade-Chamberlain made 146 appearances and scored several memorable goals, many of which came in high-stakes fixtures. He was instrumental in Liverpool’s Champions League triumph in 2019 and played a notable role in their first league title in 30 years under Jürgen Klopp.

The midfielder’s journey through English football has been a rollercoaster, beginning with a breakthrough at Southampton before earning a move to Arsenal. From there, he made the switch to Liverpool in 2017, where he experienced both the highest highs and the frustrations of recurring injuries.

Now, a potential return to England — even outside the Premier League — would mark a significant chapter in his career. If he signs with Leicester, Oxlade-Chamberlain could serve as a key figure both on and off the pitch, offering guidance to younger talents while reigniting his own competitive edge.

Leicester’s push for promotion under manager Steve Cooper has already seen the club linked with several seasoned professionals. Bringing in a player with Oxlade-Chamberlain’s experience and hunger to prove himself once again could be the boost the squad needs to reclaim their top-flight status.

For Besiktas, moving the midfielder on will help ease their wage bill as Solskjaer reshapes the team in his own image. The Norwegian coach is said to be targeting younger, more cost-effective talents as he seeks to make Besiktas a more dynamic and financially sustainable outfit.

Back in Liverpool, fans would likely welcome the sight of Oxlade-Chamberlain returning to English football, even if not in a red shirt. His time at Anfield may have been marred by injury, but his work rate, professionalism, and commitment to the cause were never in doubt.

As Liverpool enters a new era under Arne Slot, sweeping changes are already underway. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s high-profile move to Real Madrid and Caoimhin Kelleher’s switch to Brentford highlight the evolving nature of the club’s core. Oxlade-Chamberlain’s legacy remains intact — a symbol of the club’s golden era under Klopp.

Meanwhile, Slot has begun stamping his authority on the squad with acquisitions like Jeremie Frimpong and Armin Pecsi, both viewed as long-term assets for the team. Liverpool are clearly preparing for the future, with an emphasis on youth, energy, and tactical versatility.

As for Oxlade-Chamberlain, should he accept Leicester’s offer, the move would be about more than just wages or game time — it would represent a return to competitive English football and a chance to finish his career where it truly began.

While his best years may be behind him, the qualities that made him such a fan favorite — power, versatility, and heart — are still there. A move to Leicester could offer the perfect stage for one final flourish in an already decorated career.

If the deal is completed, Oxlade-Chamberlain may not walk out at Anfield in red again — but he would likely receive the warmest of receptions should he ever return as an opponent. For now, all eyes are on the Midlands club to see if they can wrap up the deal quickly.

This potential transfer stands as a reminder of how football careers can come full circle — and how second chances can offer not just redemption, but renewal.