Celtic stands on the brink of securing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a free transfer, with the deal slated for completion on Friday. The move bolsters the squad amid a tight Scottish Premiership title race against leaders Hearts and rivals Rangers.
Six-Month Deal Agreed
Martin O’Neill, Celtic’s manager, confirmed earlier this week that discussions had taken place with the free agent following the January transfer window’s closure. O’Neill expressed strong interest in the 32-year-old former Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder, noting his excitement despite an initial preference for a club nearer London.
The former Premier League standout has agreed to a six-month contract with the Glasgow club. He recently trained with Arsenal after mutually terminating his Besiktas deal last summer.
Versatile Asset for Title Push
Oxlade-Chamberlain brings Premier League and Champions League experience, along with composure in high-stakes matches. Primarily a midfielder, the Englishman also operates on either wing and even filled in at right-back for Besiktas.
This flexibility proves crucial as Celtic navigates the season’s remainder, including a pivotal two-legged Europa League playoff against Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart. The club added five players in January—three on deadline day—focusing on defense and attack, yet O’Neill seeks further midfield reinforcement.
Celtic also pursues another free agent: a former Chelsea and AC Milan player, to complement the Oxlade-Chamberlain addition.
