Leeds United to force through Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain signing after new injury blow
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Credit: Hasan Karim / Manh Tung, Breaking Media
Harri Burton
Wed 27 August 2025 16:05, UK
Daniel Farke could now be forced to bring Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in before the transfer deadline after Leeds United were handed a fresh blow.
The Sun reported earlier this month that Elland Road was a possible destination for the former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder this summer, with Besiktas attempting to terminate his contract.
While Oxlade-Chamberlain’s injury problems have already been laid bare for the Whites, Farke is desperate to keep his team in the Premier League this season, but it has been a tough start.
Despite beating Everton in their opening-game fixture, reality hit much harder than expected when facing Arsenal at the Emirates, losing 5-0 without the already-injured Ethan Ampadu.
Now, the manager has confirmed another blow in the middle of the park, with Ao Tanaka set to be sidelined for the next few weeks with a medial collateral ligament injury, very similar to Ampadu.
Although the Japanese international initially came in as a defensive figure, he proved to be a talent with the ball at his feet, notching five goals and two assists in the Championship last season.
(Credit Imago)
It is unknown whether Willy Gnonto or Brenden Aaronson can deputise in the attacking midfield spot for the next few weeks, but rather than experiment, Oxlade-Chamberlain could be a very easy fix.
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Especially with Besiktas looking to offload the 32-year-old, he could present as a bargain option for the Whites, who failed to have any impact in the final third against the Gunners.
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s career has been absolutely blighted by injury, but that did not stop the player from winning 35 caps for England, notching seven goals for the Three Lions between 2012 and 2020.
Also boasting 38 goals and 42 assists across two long spells with Liverpool and Arsenal, there is no doubt over the midfielder’s abilities, just whether he can remain fit enough in the Premier League.
(Credit Imago)
The last thing that the Whites need is more injuries this season, but with the absences already starting to pile up, putting everything into a move for Oxlade-Chamberlain could be a necessity rather than a want.
His experience in the Premier League would lend a hand to the younger players in the squad, much like Patrick Bamford over the last few seasons, but the hope would be that the medical staff can keep him on the pitch.