He was once one of the most electrifying midfielders in English football — blazing runs, clever passes, a knack for arriving late in the box. But in recent years, his journey has taken sharp turns. For many fans, the “Ox” seemed to fade from the spotlight. Yet, what he is doing now is turning heads — and not in the way many would have predicted. Let’s walk through the latest on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s career, the abrupt changes, and the surprising reality he now faces.
From Top Clubs to Turkey: The winding path
To understand where Oxlade-Chamberlain is now, it helps to recall where he’s been. After bursting onto the scene with Southampton, he joined Arsenal in 2011 and cemented himself as a versatile attacker/midfielder. His move to Liverpool in 2017 proved fruitful — he collected a Premier League title, the Champions League, and more with the Reds.
But injuries and inconsistent form cast long shadows. When his contract with Liverpool expired in 2023, he made the move to Beşiktaş in Turkey on a multi-year deal. At Besiktas, he struggled with fitness, being sidelined for long spells, and also at times frozen out of the squad by managerial decisions.
Eventually, the club and player agreed to mutually terminate the contract — reportedly with a severance payment in the region of £1.2 million. The decision left Oxlade-Chamberlain in free agency as of late August 2025.
The shocking twist: Training… at Arsenal?
Now, here’s the curve ball: though he has no club, Oxlade-Chamberlain is currently training with Arsenal.
Yes — the very club he left years ago is helping him maintain fitness and stay sharp while he figures out his next move. Reports suggest he’s working with their youth or reserve groups rather than the first team, given squad preparations.
This arrangement isn’t necessarily a prelude to a new contract with Arsenal — it’s more a practical move to stay in shape while exploring his options. It also echoes prior instances where clubs let former players use facilities to stay fit pending new deals.
What it reveals — and what it might mean
This development carries several implications — some obvious, some more subtle:
Career uncertain: From commanding roles at big clubs to being clubless and training with his old side — the contrast is stark. Reputation vs. necessity: The decision to return to Arsenal’s training grounds shows how difficult it is even for established players to find competitive contracts in the later stages of their careers. Possible routes ahead: Rumours swirl about Championship or lower-tier clubs in England being interested (Leicester, Birmingham), though nothing concrete yet. Emotional resonance: For fans, this feels like a full circle moment — a player once beloved by the Arsenal faithful, now seeking refuge at the same club. Legacy under strain: Injuries and inconsistent spells have clouded what should have been a more dominant later career.
Final thoughts: A humbling turn
It’s easy to hype stories of meteoric rises, but careers rarely stay on a single trajectory. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s current situation is a humbling chapter — a reminder how fragile footballing fortunes can be. Training at Arsenal without a contract might seem bizarre for someone who once graced Champions League nights, but it’s also a testament to his perseverance: staying ready, staying professional, and hoping for another chance.
Only time will tell what comes next: a return to English football, a surprise move abroad, or a transition off the pitch. But one thing is certain — this is not where many of us expected his story to be in 2025.