Unusual Oxlade-Chamberlain contract clause actually makes a lot of sense

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Football is a funny game and some of the things we see put into footballer’s contracts can also be quite entertaining.

Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain once had an interesting clause in his deal at the Emirates Stadium which meant Southampton would get compensation each time he played over 20 minutes in a single game.

According to Alan Gernon, from his new book, via the Mirror, the former Arsenal man would activate a clause which meant the Saints were to be paid another £10,000 every time the Ox played more than 20 minutes in one go.

As per the same book excerpt, this is why he was often brought on in the 71st minute – so Arsenal wouldn’t have to fork over an extra ten grand.

This deal actually makes a lot of sense in hindsight; it helps explain to Gunners’ fans that their club valued a relatively small amount of money more than having Alex on the pitch for a little longer.

At Liverpool, we’ve seen what he can do – and it’s safe to say that Chambo is more than capable of turning a game on its head if he’s given the time of day.

I can only imagine how frustrating it must be to be an Arsenal fan finding out this information for the first time.

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