Arsenal has been revealed to have spent a substantial £10,000 for every occasion when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain played for more than 20 minutes during his tenure with the Gunners. This information has come to light due to a clause in the English midfielder’s contract, which explains the rationale behind his frequent appearances as a substitute.
In 2011, Oxlade-Chamberlain, then 17, made a promising transition to Arsenal from Southampton for a deal valued at £12 million plus £3 million in add-ons. However, out of his 198 appearances for Arsenal before his move to Liverpool in 2017, a remarkable 80 of those were as a substitute, much to the surprise and bewilderment of supporters.
Author Alan Gernon disclosed in his book ‘The Transfer Market: The Inside Stories’ that an unusual clause in Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract with Arsenal led to his consistent appearances as a substitute. This particular detail even garnered the attention of former Premier League players Peter Crouch and Steve Sidwell.
Addressing the issue on That Peter Crouch Podcast, Crouch elaborated, “Every time Oxlade-Chamberlain played 20 minutes or more for Arsenal, they would have to pay Southampton an extra £10,000.” Sidwell, baffled, sought confirmation, to which Crouch reaffirmed, “That is madness.”
Gernon’s book also revealed the frustration experienced by Arsenal fans regarding Oxlade-Chamberlain’s minimal playing time, with the revelation that the club was obliged to pay Southampton £10,000 for every 20-minute appearance the midfielder made.
Despite these circumstances, Oxlade-Chamberlain did exhibit moments of brilliance during his time at the Emirates Stadium. His efforts even earned him call-ups to the England national team, where he made history as the second youngest player to represent the Three Lions at a European Championship in 2012. From 2012 to 2019, he accumulated 35 international caps and secured three FA Cup winners’ medals in four years before moving to Liverpool.
During his stint with Liverpool, Oxlade-Chamberlain attained even greater success, including winning the Premier League, Champions League, and EFL Cup. His transition from Arsenal to Liverpool marked a significant turning point in his career, and he continues to make a substantial impact in the football world.
In conclusion, the peculiar contract clause that resulted in Arsenal paying a significant sum for Oxlade-Chamberlain’s playing time certainly raises questions. It also brings attention to the intricacies often concealed within football deals and player contracts. As fans, we can only hope for more transparency in the future and clarity on the inner workings of the beautiful game that we all love.