Celtic embarrassed again as details of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s impending move materialise
Celtic are set to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with the former Liverpool star set to sign a six-month contract.
Reports emerged on Thursday that Martin O’Neill’s side were in advanced talks to sign Oxlade-Chamberlain as they look to boost their Scottish Premiership title hopes.
The 32-year-old central midfielder has been a free agent since August after his contract at Besiktas was terminated.
While Rangers fans have mocked the potential arrival of Oxlade-Chamberlain, the former England international has the potential to be a great new addition at Celtic Park.
However, despite the potential of the move, Celtic’s incompetence may have damaged their Europa League hopes.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain won’t be registered in the Europa League
According to Sky Sports on 5 February, Oxlade-Chamberlain is due to travel to Glasgow on Friday to finalise a move to the Old Firm side.
The midfielder is close to agreeing a six-month contract, with the option of an additional year.
🍀 Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is due to travel to Glasgow, as he closes in on a move to Celtic. More ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/803nW54C6D
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 5, 2026
However, with details still needing to be sorted out, it means that they were be unable to sign the 32-year-old before Thursday’s Europa League squad registration deadline.
To be frank, this is simply embarrassing. Celtic had plenty of time to seal the transfer, given that he is a free agent.
Even if they only became aware of his availability and interest recently, they should have been urgently trying to get the deal over the line in time for the registration.
📅 #OnThisDay last year…
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 4, 2019
🚀 Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain unleashed THIS! 💥
⏪ 2018 quarter-finals 😍#UCL | @LFC | @Alex_OxChambo pic.twitter.com/gPaSQTZ8Yc
The Europa League has the potential to win the Hoops millions in prize money, and Oxlade-Chamberlain could have been key to further progression in the competition.
Instead, their lack of urgency could now cost them against Stuttgart later this month, which could have long-term financial consequences.
Now, it remains to be seen if this will come back to haunt the Hoops over the coming weeks.
What has Martin O’Neill said about Oxlade-Chamberlain?
Despite him not being a Celtic player yet, O’Neill has already spoken fondly of the midfielder.
The manager is currently preparing for the Hoops’ Scottish Cup clash against Dundee on Saturday.
However, when asked about Oxlade-Chamberlain, O’Neill was quick to explain that Joe Hart had also spoken to him ahead of the move.
When asked if he liked the former England international, he said: “I do. I genuinely do. Yes. He has trained at Arsenal for some time since his time in Turkey.
“In terms of fitness, it’s not match fitness, but it’s fine. We’ll see. And listen, he’s got loads of options.
“I think he was very excited about what we were saying. He knows about the football club. He’s a big friend of Joe Hart and Joe’s spoken to him. Not on our behalf. It was just a conversation with Joe.”