Arsenal incurred a £1.4 million payment to Southampton following the 2017 transfer of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Liverpool, triggered by an unusual provision in his original contract with the Gunners.
The Unusual Clause in Oxlade-Chamberlain’s Deal
The England international, now 32, joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2011 for an initial £12 million, plus £3 million in performance bonuses. One key condition required Arsenal to pay Southampton £10,000 each time Oxlade-Chamberlain appeared for at least 20 minutes. Over his six seasons at the Emirates Stadium, this clause activated 137 times across competitions: 85 Premier League matches, 25 Champions League games, 18 FA Cup ties, and nine EFL Cup fixtures.
Arsene Wenger often substituted the midfielder late in games, typically after the 71st minute or from the bench. Out of 198 total appearances for Arsenal, only 115 were starts. This pattern fueled observations about the clause’s impact, leading to the cumulative £1.4 million payout.
Reactions and Career Highlights
Former Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell voiced skepticism about the clause, questioning, “Is this real? Every 20 minutes?” His ex-Liverpool teammate Peter Crouch called it “madness,” though he noted uncertainty about its full accuracy.
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s Arsenal tenure marked his most productive period, with 20 goals and 28 assists. He secured three FA Cups and three Community Shields. The £35 million initial fee to Liverpool—rising to £40 million—remains Arsenal’s record sale.
At Liverpool, injuries limited him to 103 Premier League outings over six years, but he contributed to the 2019 Champions League triumph and the 2020 Premier League title. After departing Anfield in 2023, he moved to Besiktas, winning the Turkish Cup before his contract ended in August 2025. Currently a free agent, Oxlade-Chamberlain could sign before Monday’s transfer deadline to ensure eligibility for upcoming competitions.
