Martin O’Neill ‘not happy’ at Celtic after ‘disappointing’ Oxlade-Chamberlain twist
Martin O’Neill’s frustrations are stacking up at Celtic after what was a frustrating mid-season transfer window despite the imminent arrival of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
While the interim boss is believed to be happy with the new addition to his squad, delving into the free agent market shows they failed to do adequate business in January.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Celtic are taking a gamble by signing Oxlade-Chamberlain given his recent injury issues.
Oxlade-Chamberlain‘s last senior appearance came for Besiktas in May, before he suffered a knee injury and ultimately saw his contract terminated.
He has since been training at Arsenal to keep up his fitness, leading to suggestions he could join the Gunners, but Celtic have moved quickly to land him.
Martin O’Neill frustrated by Celtic transfers
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 26 January that O’Neill has been let down by Celtic and their lack of transfer market activity.
The Hoops did not complete a single permanent arrival during the mid-season window as the penny-pinching continues, but saw five players arrive on loan.
Despite that, their moves to take a gamble on the fitness of Oxlade-Chamberlain are a sign that they were not completely pleased with their January business.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “It will be a gamble by Celtic if they are to bring him in. He’s not played any football since leaving Besiktas.
“He’s been keeping himself in shape by training at former club Arsenal.
“Martin O’Neill’s confirmed he would be interested in Oxlade-Chamberlain and the player himself has indicated that he could be interested in a move. So it might work for all parties.
“Ideally, Martin O’Neill would like players who could come in and make an immediate impact.
“It’s just whether he would be fit enough to come in and make an impact and become a starter in Martin O’Neill’s team as well.
“But it just shows where Celtic are right now, and other disappointing transfer window for them just gone that they need to be looking at the free agent market to try and bolster their squad.”
Celtic planned to accept Arne Engels offers
Nottingham Forest made three bids for Arne Engels on deadline day, the largest of which would have equalled the Scottish record £25million sale.
Football Insider revealed last month that Celtic would not accept offers for Engels as he remains a big part of O’Neill’s plans for the rest of the season.
The significant £25million offer could have changed their stance, though, had they been given time to source a replacement before the deadline.
Football Insider revealed Celtic could have accepted offers for Engels had they arrived earlier in the window rather than last-minute on deadline day.
That would have given the Hoops more time to land a replacement, but instead they pushed back all offers and have kept their star man.
For more Celtic and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.