(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Wed 22 April 2026 9:59, UK

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Martin O’Neill feels that Celtic should take up their option to extend Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract for a further year, sources have told Football Insider.

The Bhoys’ interim boss is said to have a strong trust in the 31-year-old midfielder, who is out of contract at Parkhead at the end of the season.

Celtic are keen to delay their final decision regarding the ex-Liverpool man’s future until they have a new manager in place, but sources say that O’Neill is vouching for his stay to be extended regardless of who takes charge.

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s stay at Celtic Park for next season is seen as being likely, provided that he is keen to extend his deal, as he has become an increasingly big influence on the team in recent weeks.

Celtic’s transfer plans are set to see them overhaul their squad alongside the appointment of a new permanent manager, but they are keen to keep some continuity from this year’s group.

Martin O’Neill to continue leaning on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Football Insider revealed at the start of February that there were concerns at Celtic regarding Oxlade-Chamberlain’s ability to come in and immediately make a positive impact in Glasgow.

The veteran has suffered his fair share of injury problems in recent years, and hadn’t had a club since mutually terminating his contract at Besiktas at the end of August.

He initially made a slow start at Celtic Park as he got himself back up to speed and towards match fitness, but he has taken on an increasingly important role in recent weeks.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has started in three of the Bhoys’ last four Scottish Premiership assignments, and the only game that he began on the bench in that run saw the team fall to defeat at Dundee United.

O’Neill has leaned on his experience heavily amid Arne Engels’ absence through injury, and he is expected to continue to play a key role during the imminent league split fixtures.

Celtic are now at crunch time in terms of their hopes of winning the league title, and Oxlade-Chamberlain’s form across the remaining five games could have a huge say on where his long-term future lies.

Celtic to need midfield cover as Benjamin Nygren wants out

Football Insider revealed last week that Benjamin Nygren wants to move to the Premier League this summer amid interest from both Brighton and Bournemouth.

The Bhoys’ top goalscorer is ready to test himself at the top level after an impressive debut campaign in Scotland, and teams are already queuing up to try and secure his signature this summer.

Celtic have the Swede tied down to a long-term contract and are under “no pressure” to sell him as a result, but they are expected to be tempted by a sale if a big-money offer is put on the table.

Nygren wants out of Celtic Park, and could be set to leave them needing further reinforcements in the middle of the park, while Arne Engels was also subject to Premier League interest back in January.

Oxlade-Chamberlain could provide a simple solution to any potential midfield exits, but that depends on whether the club hierarchy feel that he is capable of having an impact across a full campaign.