Aston Villa and West Ham United will both be hoping they can start looking up the table rather than over their shoulders when the season restarts.
It’s been a disappointing start to both teams’ domestic campaigns, and they’ll now have one eye on the transfer window.
The reputable reporter now believes that Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will leave the club on a free transfer next summer.
The 29-year-old has struggled with injuries throughout his time at Anfield.
He started his career on Merseyside very positively, making 32 appearances and recording seven assists.
However, he’s failed to record that number in the rest of his seasons at the club combined.
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Oxlade-Chamberlain needs a fresh start at a new club next season, and West Ham or Aston Villa could offer him that opportunity.
Oxlade-Chamberlain will leave Liverpool on a free next summer
In the summer, West Ham considered bidding for the ‘priceless’ midfielder, but ultimately the move didn’t happen.
CalcioMercato reported in September that Liverpool were prepared to offer Villa Oxlade-Chamberlain as part of a deal to sign Douglas Luiz.
Given Oxlade-Chamberlain’s versatility, he could fit slot into either side’s tactical set-up.
The creative midfielder would suit playing in front of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek at West Ham.
He could also line up alongside Rice is David Moyes wanted a more attacking line-up.
Unai Emery will spend the next month working out how best to set-up his Aston Villa side.
Oxlade-Chamberlain could line up as a wide playmaker for the Spaniard, and could also be used in a more central role as an alternative to Jacob Ramsey.
The midfielder’s main priority should be finding a club willing to give him a decent number of minutes.
His fitness has been a huge issue in recent years, and West Ham or Aston Villa would need to be patient with him.
He’s clearly still talented, with Andy Robertson saying he’s one of the best finishers in the squad.
Oxlade-Chamberlain will leave Liverpool on a free in the summer, and he’ll be fondly remembered for his role in the Reds finally securing a Premier League title.
However, his contribution in recent seasons has been too limited to consider keeping him at Anfield.