Besiktas Terminates Ex-Liverpool Star Oxlade-Chamberlain Contract

Turkish club Besiktas have terminated the contract of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder, making him a free agent. Besiktas paid a severance fee of approximately £1.2-1.25 million to release Oxlade-Chamberlain, a cost deemed cheaper than paying out his remaining wages on a contract that was due to run until 2026. The 31-year-old struggled with injuries during his time at Besiktas, managing 50 appearances and five goals since joining in 2023, but was ultimately not included in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans for the new season. Oxlade-Chamberlain is reportedly open to a return to English football, with newly promoted Leeds showing interest. Meanwhile, Besiktas continues to strengthen their squad with new signings, including English right-back Kyle Walker-Peters and Turkish midfielder Orkun Kokcu, the latter joining on loan from Benfica with an option to buy. Besiktas also secured Tammy Abraham on loan from Roma, maintaining some English representation in their squad.