Could a Premier League and Champions League winner be heading to Celtic Park? The potential transfer of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Celtic has sparked excitement and debate among football fans. But here's where it gets controversial: is this a smart move for both the player and the club, or a risky gamble? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this high-profile deal, from salary details to the timeline of negotiations.
Who is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain? At 32, the midfielder boasts a stellar career, having lifted three FA Cups with Arsenal, and securing the Champions League, Premier League, and EFL Cup during his time at Liverpool. His trophy cabinet also includes the Turkish Cup with Besiktas in 2024. With 35 England caps, Oxlade-Chamberlain is no stranger to the big stage. But this is the part most people miss: despite his accolades, he’s been without a club since leaving Istanbul last summer, raising questions about his current form and fitness.
When did he last play? His last competitive match was on May 11, 2025, for Besiktas against Adana Demirspor. Since then, he’s been training with Arsenal’s U21 squad, thanks to Mikel Arteta’s invitation. Arteta has praised Oxlade-Chamberlain’s character, calling him ‘one of the best in football’ and hinting at a possible short-term deal. However, no offer has materialized yet, leaving the door open for Celtic.
What’s driving Oxlade-Chamberlain’s next move? The player has been clear about his priorities: regular game time and proximity to his family. After two challenging years in Turkey, where he went weeks without seeing his fiancée, Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards, and their son Axel, he’s determined to avoid a repeat. ‘I don’t feel old,’ he insists. ‘I’m fit, and I’ve still got that hunger.’ But will Celtic be the right fit for him?
What’s Celtic’s take? Martin O’Neill has confirmed talks with Oxlade-Chamberlain, describing him as a player of ‘great experience.’ Salary concerns? O’Neill brushes them off: ‘It’s not about the money.’ But here’s the kicker: Celtic is racing to finalize the deal before Thursday’s Europa League squad deadline, allowing Oxlade-Chamberlain to feature against Stuttgart on February 19. Is this a rushed decision, or a strategic move to bolster their midfield?
The controversial question: Is Oxlade-Chamberlain past his prime, or does he still have what it takes to shine at Celtic? And is Celtic the right club to reignite his career? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. One thing’s for sure: this transfer saga is far from over, and we’ll be watching closely to see how it unfolds.
