Manchester United's reported interest in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is one of the more surprising transfer rumours to have emerged so far this summer.
Various reports have suggested United are interested in signing the Liverpool midfielder as Erik ten Hag looks to add to his midfield options. The Dutchman is certainly in need of some added quality in the centre of the park, particularly following the departures of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata.
The prospect of Oxlade-Chamberlain making the move to Old Trafford is perhaps a long shot. Direct deals between United and Liverpool so rarely happen, especially since Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign, with the legendary manager famously blocking a move for Gabriel Heinze to Anfield in 2007.
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With Oxlade-Chamberlain’s opportunities under Jurgen Klopp becoming rarer, the former Arsenal man looks as though he could be on the move this summer. The 28-year-old has dropped down the pecking order at Anfield in recent years, leading to him being handed just 17 starts in all competitions last season.
The England international hasn’t been helped by injuries during his time with Liverpool, and with just one year remaining on his contract, the Reds may look to cash in. Should his club be willing to sell to United, Oxlade-Chamberlain already looks to have the seal of approval from Roy Keane.
Summing up his career earlier this year, the former United captain told ITV: “Injury problems. He is now, what 28? His career has stalled over the last years. He has been left behind a little bit. But a quality player.”
Injuries have certainly not helped Oxlade-Chamberlain’s cause on Merseyside. The midfielder had played a vital role in Liverpool’s run to the Champions League final in 2018 before suffering a serious knee injury in the semi-final against Roma.
The issue kept him out for a lengthy period, and since then he has struggled to break back into Klopp’s side, particularly following the signings of Fabinho, Thiago and Naby Keita.
If Liverpool are willing to sell to United, then Ten Hag could get a player who has shown he can perform at the highest level. However, given their rivalry, that is likely to be a big if.
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