Southampton fans supposed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was a free agent opportunity not seized but actually, the 31-year-old is yet to go separate ways from Besiktas.
Saying this was considered unbelievable, but with time, Southampton have accustomed themselves to witnessing the joyous and the not-so-joyous years without Ward-Prowse's set-pieces.
The reason is that their midfield has evolved, and now the current ones are general-ists instead of being specialists in one area. Hence, players who can unite in springing forward and retreating back are required more than Ward-Prowse himself.
This presumably reasons why the Saints didn't went preparing paperworks for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's return.
And so, Southampton handed his free transfer offer to any other team, right? Well, this is only partially accurate as the real truth behind the free agency speculations has emerged now.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's services can't be availed without transfer funds
In their own words, Sky Sports have said: "Subject to reports elsewhere, the former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder remains a Besiktas player and no termination of his contract has been agreed."
Needless to put it, but shelling out millions in fees for getting a few campaigns out of ex-players doesn't make much sense unless and until they haven't dropped off from their playing peak.
About Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, he can get some good responses from his former coach Jurgen Klopp about joining any of Leipzig or their sister-clubs. Those teams have a vast amount of young players making waves worldwide, hence, they will sometimes need experienced pillars to remain a commendable force in their respective leagues.
Also, Oxlade-Chamberlain can be a mentor figure to have around. He was playing with promising Italian youngster Cher Ndour, and see, he is a prominent Serie A name while sharpening his midfield craft in the guidance of the Englishman.