Arsenal incurred a £1.4 million payment to Southampton following the transfer of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Liverpool, activated by a specific clause in his original contract with the Gunners. The former England international marked Arsenal’s record sale in 2017, moving to Anfield for an initial £35 million that rose to £40 million.
Early Career and Transfer to Arsenal
Oxlade-Chamberlain, now 32, launched his professional career at Southampton, where he played just one senior season before joining Arsenal for £15 million in 2011. This deal included £12 million upfront and £3 million in performance-related add-ons. A key provision tied additional payments to his playing time in north London, mandating a £10,000 payout to Southampton for every match in which he featured for at least 20 minutes.
Observers noted that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger frequently introduced the midfielder late in games, often as a substitute after the 71st minute. Out of 198 appearances for Arsenal, only 115 came as starts, highlighting his role as a rotational player.
Impact of the Clause and Career Highlights
The clause ultimately generated £1.4 million for Southampton across Oxlade-Chamberlain’s six-year stint at Arsenal. He accumulated at least 20 minutes in 85 Premier League matches, 25 Champions League games, 18 FA Cup ties, and nine EFL Cup fixtures. During this period, he contributed 20 goals and 28 assists, helping secure three FA Cups and three Community Shields—his most productive spell compared to other clubs.
The provision resurfaced in a 2024 episode of the That Peter Crouch Podcast, where former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch and retired Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell ed astonishment. Sidwell remarked, “Our researchers, is this real? Hold on, every 20 minutes?” Crouch responded, “I don’t know if that’s true [but] that is madness.”
Later Moves and Current Status
At Liverpool, injuries restricted Oxlade-Chamberlain to 103 Premier League appearances over six seasons, though he collected major honors, including the 2019 Champions League and 2020 Premier League titles. He left Anfield in 2023 for Besiktas, where he won the Turkish Cup but struggled for consistent starts. His contract there ended in August 2025, leaving him as a free agent.
Oxlade-Chamberlain can negotiate with clubs immediately, but securing a deal before the transfer window closes on Monday would ensure eligibility for all competitions in the upcoming season.
