Report: Liverpool back Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain next season over signing

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Liverpool will back Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain over a new signing next season, according to reports. The Reds believe he can be a big player for them.

This comes from the Mirror. They claim Liverpool see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as a key asset next season.

That’s primarily because of a mooted position change. Jurgen Klopp wants to move him forward, potentially as a no.10.

They’re not the first source to claim that, either. The Liverpool Echo said similar last month, suggesting Oxlade-Chamberlain could be set to show off his versatility.

But the Mirror go further with it. They say Liverpool will back rely on Oxlade-Chamberlain to nail his new role – enough that they won’t sign anyone new.

Both Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri could both leave but there won’t be a replacement. Instead, Oxlade-Chamberlain will get the nod as a forward.

Reds trust Oxlade-Chamberlain next season

We’ve written before that there are quite a few options with Oxlade-Chamberlain playing further forward. Here are three potential XIs if they head in that direction.

But we’ll stress that having the options doesn’t make it a good idea. We like Oxlade-Chamberlain a lot and he’s apparently playing well in training – but he’s not reliable.

Injuries have frequently derailed his time with Liverpool. We think it would be quite foolish to assume he’s past them at this stage, especially with how last season went.

Not to mention how light Liverpool could be. Gini Wijnaldum’s exit, couple with Oxlade-Chamberlain moving forward, leaves gaps in the midfield options.

Now, Oxlade-Chamberlain could always move back into midfield but then Liverpool are short up top – especially if Origi and Shaqiri leave. If he’s injured, they’re short in two areas.

So while we think they’re right to back him next season, Oxlade-Chamberlain just isn’t reliably fit enough to be their go-to. There’s got to be a signing, too.