Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had a very interesting clause in his Arsenal contract that limited his game time.
Oxlade-Chamberlain left the Gunners for Liverpool in 2017 after seeing his career stagnate under Arsene Wenger.
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The England international arrived from Southampton in 2011 as a promising teenager but he never established himself as a regular.
Alan Gernon's book, The Transfer Market: The Inside Stories, shed some light on the situation and it was all in the name of money.
"Following Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's move to Arsenal in 2011, Gunners fans became increasingly frustrated with the midfielder's lack of playing time," he wrote.
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"He was predominantly used as a substitute, often around the 71-minute mark.
"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."
Oxlade-Chamberlain was being deployed as a wing-back towards the end of his time at the Emirates Stadium.
Starting out as a winger, he begun to shine in a more central role and impressed in his rare appearances there.
Wenger, however, preferred him out wide and it saw him leave in a £35 million transfer.
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Oxlade-Chamberlain was a regular in his first year at Liverpool as they came close to winning the Champions League.
Injury derailed his season and it stopped him going to the World Cup with England despite featuring in both international games prior to the tournament.
He found it hard to regain a spot in Liverpool's midfield since and more injuries have hampered his development.
The arrivals of Fabinho, Naby Keita and Thiago as well as the emergence of Curtis Jones have seen 'the Ox' slip down the pecking order.
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He has 18 months left on his Reds deal and manager Jurgen Klopp was asked about his future last week, following a string of strong performances.
"I think it is a completely normal situation...it is about what makes sense for both sides in six or 18 months," Klopp told reporters per The Mirror.
“But it is not important at all at the moment. In this moment what is important is how do you contribute when you play? That is the only thing.
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“It's pretty much the best Oxlade since I was here.
"I know he was more spectacular in (past) moments, scoring against City and some really good goals, but it is a completely new quality.
“Calming the game down, knowing when to sprint with the ball, when to shoot.
"Being involved in all the different things on the pitch is a massive step and I'm really happy with Ox in the moment and hopefully it (stays) like this.”
Featured Image Credit: PA ImagesTopics: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Liverpool, Arsenal, Southampton, Premier League