Hold onto your seats, football fans, because Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s next move is about to shake things up! The former England international has landed in Glasgow, poised to undergo a medical at Celtic, marking what could be a pivotal moment for both the player and the club. But here’s where it gets intriguing: despite his imminent signing, Oxlade-Chamberlain won’t be lacing up his boots for Celtic’s Europa League campaign—a detail that’s already sparking debates among fans. Why? Well, that’s the part most people are scratching their heads over.
Sky Sports broke the news this morning, confirming that the 32-year-old free agent is on the cusp of joining Celtic until the end of the season. Martin O’Neill, Celtic’s manager, hinted at the move yesterday, revealing that discussions had been ongoing. Oxlade-Chamberlain, who’s been keeping fit by training with his former club Arsenal, hasn’t played competitive football since parting ways with Besiktas in May. But O’Neill believes his experience—35 international caps under his belt—could be a game-changer for Celtic’s midfield once he’s match-ready.
In a candid chat on Celtic’s official YouTube channel, O’Neill shared, ‘I spoke to him this morning. I think he wants to come and I think he’s coming.’ He also acknowledged the player’s options, including rumored interest from Arsenal as a backup. ‘I’m delighted that he’s going to come,’ O’Neill added, ‘I think he’s doing a medical, and all being well, I’m hoping he signs on.’
But here’s the controversial bit: Why wasn’t Oxlade-Chamberlain registered for the Europa League? Some fans are questioning whether this was a strategic oversight or a calculated risk. O’Neill opted to register January signings Julian Araujo, Tomas Cvancara, and Junior Adamu instead, leaving out Callum Osmand (injured), Johnny Kenny (loaned to Bolton), and Michel-Ange Balikwisha (seemingly out of favor). O’Neill admitted, ‘There might be a bit of disappointment from Alex’s viewpoint, wanting to show what he can do on the European stage.’
Adding to the intrigue, ex-Celtic favorite Joe Hart reportedly played a key role in persuading Oxlade-Chamberlain to make the move. When asked about Hart’s influence, O’Neill quipped, ‘I think the football club itself probably convinced him more than anything else.’ But he didn’t shy away from humor, joking, ‘He might come up here, see what the weather’s like, and disappear back down again quite easily!’
O’Neill remains optimistic about Oxlade-Chamberlain’s potential impact, praising his quality and training regimen with Arsenal, one of Europe’s top teams. ‘It’s a matter of how quickly he gets up to speed,’ he noted. At 32, Oxlade-Chamberlain is far from past his prime, especially in an era where players are extending their careers through rigorous self-care.
So, here’s the burning question: Is Celtic missing out by not including Oxlade-Chamberlain in their Europa League squad, or is this a smart move to focus on domestic success? And what does this say about the club’s ambitions for the season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one transfer saga that’s bound to keep the football world talking!
