Celtic have secured the services of former England international Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a short-term contract, bolstering their midfield options for the remainder of the season. The 32-year-old has agreed terms with the Scottish champions and is currently undergoing medical examinations, as confirmed by manager Martin O’Neill on Friday afternoon.
Oxlade-Chamberlain arrives at Parkhead as a free agent, having most recently played for Turkish Süper Lig side Besiktas before departing in August. He had been maintaining his fitness by training with his former club, Arsenal, in recent months. O’Neill expressed his delight at persuading the experienced midfielder to choose Celtic, despite reported interest from clubs closer to London.
“I spoke to him this morning,” O’Neill said. “I think he wants to come and and I think he’s coming. I would have assumed he’s gotten a number of options.” The Celtic manager even suggested Arsenal considered re-signing Oxlade-Chamberlain, given potential injuries within their squad, but was ultimately pleased to secure his signature.
The deal, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, includes an option to extend beyond the current campaign, providing Celtic with potential long-term security should Oxlade-Chamberlain impress. This is a key detail, as it avoids the possibility of other clubs vying for his signature at the end of the season.
Oxlade-Chamberlain brings a wealth of experience to Celtic, having won numerous trophies during his time with Arsenal and Liverpool, including the Champions League and Premier League. His versatility in midfield will be a valuable asset for O’Neill, offering tactical flexibility as Celtic push for the Scottish Premiership title.
However, Celtic fans will have to wait to see Oxlade-Chamberlain in European competition this season. The transfer was finalized after the February 5th deadline for registering players for the Europa League, meaning he will be ineligible for their upcoming play-off tie against Stuttgart on February 19th. Celtic added Tomas Cvancara, Julian Araujo and Junior Adamu to their European squad instead, meaning deadline day arrivals Benjamin Arthur and Joel Mvuka also miss out.
Despite the immediate unavailability for European fixtures, O’Neill clearly believes Oxlade-Chamberlain’s addition will strengthen the squad significantly. The midfielder’s arrival comes after a busy January transfer window for Celtic, which saw five new players join the club, including additions in defense and attack.
O’Neill admitted surprise that more English clubs hadn’t made a more decisive move for a player of Oxlade-Chamberlain’s caliber. “I think there was even talk about Arsenal, where he is training, might take him on because they might pick up a couple of injuries,” O’Neill stated, highlighting the player’s continued appeal despite his recent departure from Besiktas.
The signing represents a shrewd piece of business for Celtic, acquiring a proven winner on a free transfer with the potential for a longer-term commitment. Oxlade-Chamberlain’s winning mentality and experience could prove invaluable as Celtic aim to challenge Hearts and Rangers for the Scottish Premiership title.
His recent training regime at Arsenal ensures he arrives at Celtic in good condition, ready to contribute immediately. The midfielder’s versatility will allow O’Neill to deploy him in various positions, adding depth and tactical options to the team.
While the timing prevents his involvement in the Europa League play-offs, Oxlade-Chamberlain’s focus will undoubtedly be on making a significant impact in the Scottish Premiership. His arrival provides a timely boost for Celtic as they navigate a fiercely contested title race.
