‘Is this a wind up?’ – Celtic fans taken aback by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain transfer development
Celtic fans are not happy that their club has been linked with a move for free agent midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after a tough January transfer window.
Celtic entered the January window in need of several fresh faces to boost their title prospects as they aim to catch league leaders Hearts and stay ahead of rivals Rangers.
The Parkhead board signed five players while the market was active, but did not spend any transfer fees, with each one arriving on loan until the end of the season.
Deadline day saw Junior Adamu arrive at Celtic, alongside Benjamin Arthur and Joel Mvuka, but there is a feeling that Martin O’Neill has been “hung out to dry” by his higher-ups.
The Hoops remain in the market for a new midfielder, even though Benjamin Nygren is set to stay after late interest from Nottingham Forest, with the majority of supporters raging at who they are reportedly after.
Celtic targeting move for free agent Oxlade-Chamberlain
Oxlade-Chamberlain has been without a club and training with his former side Arsenal since leaving Besiktas last August.
The 32-year-old made 50 appearances for the Super Lig side in two years, having previously spent the six years prior at Liverpool, where he won numerous trophies.
Football Insider revealed last September that Rangers were exploring a move for Oxlade-Chamberlain, but a deal never came to fruition, and he could now be on his way to their arch-rivals.
Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph has reported that Celtic are interested in signing him following the end of the winter window, which is news that has not gone down well with many at Parkhead.
Celtic fans blast the board amid Oxlade-Chamberlain latest – ‘Reeks of desperation’
Oxlade-Chamberlain is undoubtedly a talented footballer, but his career has been hampered by recurring injury issues, and he has not played a competitive match since last May.
He is also arguably just past his peak at 32-years-old, especially as a central midfielder, and so many Hoops fans have reservations about signing him on potentially hefty wages.
Taking to X to react to the links, one fan said: “Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could have been signed at any point since the summer. If he was going to be the answer, there would have been no need for it to be another post transfer window scramble. It reeks of desperation and complete failure.”
While one said: “Another injury-prone, washed-up player. Celtic must be the worst run club in Europe.“
And another supporter added: “This is just the Iheanacho situation in the summer all over again. What are we actually doing?”