Darren Bent says Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ‘has to go’ and depart Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool during the summer because it hasn’t worked for him at Anfield.
At 29-years-old, you would think that Oxlade-Chamberlain would be signing a new long-term contract and hitting the peak years of his career.
But with the midfielder’s contract due to expire in the summer, it seems as though he will head for the exit door on a free.
Back in 2017, the Reds paid Arsenal £35 million (BBC Sport) for Oxlade-Chamberlain, after he had a mixed time at the Emirates.
He wasn’t a player exactly shining bright at Arsenal because they were going through a very dark period under Arsene Wenger.
That has followed him to Merseyside, added with constant injuries, with Bent stating that he is one of the players that needs to leave, as he told talkSPORT on Drive.
“Centre-midfield is the biggest issue,” said Bent. “When you look at the players that are still there. Arthur Melo, it just hasn’t worked and he will go back.
“Oxlade-Chamberlain has been there for a while, so many injuries, he has to go.”
LIVERPOOL CLEAR-OUT
Too many things have gone wrong this season for Liverpool to opt against a clear-out in the summer.
The forward players might not get touched that much, nor will many players, if anyone, join that is a winger or a number nine.
But it’s from the midfield backwards where the big changes are going to be made, starting with players heading for the exit door.
Some players leaving will speak for themselves, but it will be interesting to see if Klopp and Co. make any other big or bold changes.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
