A bizarre clause in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's contract at Arsenal has been revealed, that meant Southampton had to be paid £10,000 every time he played more than 20 minutes.
The England international spent six years at the Emirates Stadium under Arsene Wenger before moving to Liverpool in August 2017.
And it appears his lack of consistent game time in north London may have been down to contractual reasons, instead of tactical.
A new book by Alan Gernon, The Transfer Market: The Inside Stories, notes that the midfielder was 'predominantly used as a substitute, often around the 71-minute mark'.
A section adds: 'Following Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's move to Arsenal in 2011, Gunners fans became increasingly frustrated with the midfielder's lack of playing time.
'After his contract details emerged, it all became clear: Arsenal were obliged to pay Southampton £10,000 every time he played 20 minutes or more.'
The 25-year-old eventually left the club last year in a bid to further his development.
He became a key part of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side as they made the final of the Champions League last season.
But a serious knee injury suffered in April this year ended Oxlade-Chamberlain's season and has prevented him from making an appearance yet in 2018-19.
He is expected to return before the end of the season as Liverpool bid to end their long wait for a Premier League title.
fuweortz
1
fest
Buzaeouz
0
I thank God for his life. Speedy recovery
Michaelworks
0
When Martial was to reach 20-25 goals, Monaco were to be paid a huge sum of money, also if he's to reach certain appearances for the France National team and also to receive the Ballon d'or before the age of 25,Monaco will be paid as well
crazy clause
kolonegooner
0
who fkn cares
Tolapaul
2
This is a great revelation! I always wondered why he's mostly substitute... Get well soon Oxy
Tolapaul
0
This is a great revelation! I always wondered why he's mostly substitute...
racadeklmy
0
he is a good player i love to watch him on the pitch, get well soon Chamber
Zaheershaik
2
hope you recover soon we are missing you[Cry][Cry][Cry]
Dazeltuz
6
Looks like Southampton's strength is in business rather than football
vimbekluyz
2
I wish him quick recovery
Kas
2
Why should he sued them? I am very sure he is aware before signing for the gunners.
yotemns
3
Arsenal was paying salaries of 250K a week to 2 players and they couldn’t afford another 10K to give more playing time for Oxdale is a crime to Many supporters of Arsenal Oxdale was the most exciting player Arsenal had
GAmuzu
9
That was a stupid contract to sign by Arsenal
Zacharyman
3
Football contracts always seem to be weird.
TKloveFCB
1
Explains why he was a bit part player at Arsenal but a starter for Liverpool..
begongq
2
That contract may have destroyed a promising career...IF he didn't know about that clause or was forced into accepting it by Southampton he should sue them and Arsenal for treating him as a commodity!
Angelnaby
1
Trying to sensationalise a non story. If he played 20 minutes or more in all of his appearances, Arsenal would have paid out £1.98 million in 7 years.
collection
2
Well we do like to throw money around, shame he's always injured, nice bloke and when fit a good player
Fatherof
1
Arsenal made the right decision to sell him. He was not productive at Arsenal at the time of sale. And haven't done much since then because the cycle repeats itself with Chamberlain. Never fit
easyde
2
If he was not worth an additional £10k per game why did Wenger hold onto him for so long? Another example of The Weird World of Wenger.
playbra
0
Southampton have sold so many players over the years they probably put this clause in as a joke and Arsenal accepted it. Shame really as he's a talent on his day.
Nicholasly
0
How good will that be, if he comes back with 5-6 games to go? He was quality last season heading towards the final. Will be like a massive signing near the end of the season!!
nowhere
0
Too bad arsenal fans never gave him the respect he deserved
badly
0
Why would a player allow that as part of the terms of the transfer?! What were the agent(s) doing or thinking? The real question is whether the player knew about this clause. If he did he should have just stayed at Southampton & reject moves with such clauses.
posilios
0
From the club that decided Ozil was worth £300k a week, and will let one of their key players Ramsey go for nothing in the summer, nothing surprises me about the shambles that is Arsenal FC.
nikanni
0
If i was Alex, i would have told Wenger il foot the 10,000 bill to play 90mins.
Crazyman
0
Most overrated player in history, amongst all the other young english players in the past
basically
0
Can you imagine what Liverpool would look like with him at midfield now? He was a spark last season
oedipuser
0
That may explain some of Wengers baffling 70th minute substitutions.
Wakeioy
0
the Ox- we miss you.
danoni
1
Seriously???......I canor belivit.
hatdkmnruy
2
stupid arsenal he is worth every peny if u agree leave a like
Not risky but crazy.
SINGAM23
3
Neymar shall be bitten by dinosaur every time he play-act and so he could get more sick leaves
ceplmpy
0
Arsenal ! money doesn't buy success but it takes cash to care,so start spending and get top class players and not recyled players, all the teams that are winning are buying top class players
the_ak_47
1
stupid arsenal he is worth every peny if u agree leave a like
he is but 10k for almost all matches is kinda risky
AltonWade
19
stupid arsenal he is worth every peny if u agree leave a like
Zeeshan17
6
oxalade chamberlain could have become a much more established player had he stayed at Southampton or gone to Liverpool earlier. His golden years were of stunted development and limited time which prevented him into becoming a big player as he could have been otherwise. He is physically strong and fast, which is suited to the attacking mentality in Liverpool's playing methodology. The English team might have fared even better in the World Cup had he not been injured. I just hope he remains fit enough and gets enough time at Liverpool to become a decisive player the English team needs sometimes.
townseyr
0
How does appearances in the national team affect his contract.
stevy8
3
this is the most ugly contract ever and IAM sure other clubs has same kinds of agreement this is ugly
tiriwangani
0
please state that of martial
When Martial was to reach 20-25 goals, Monaco were to be paid a huge sum of money, also if he's to reach certain appearances for the France National team and also to receive the Ballon d'or before the age of 25,Monaco will be paid as well
titbinopru
1
A player can't just play anymore it's all about money more and more of it
Michaelworks
0
some of these contracts do kill the careers of so many players. Ox and also of Martial... it kills the beauty of football
please state that of martial
tiriwangani
5
some of these contracts do kill the careers of so many players. Ox and also of Martial... it kills the beauty of football