Key Takeaways:
- Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, aged 32, reportedly agreed a verbal deal to join Celtic after leaving Besiktas in August
- The midfielder will be ineligible for Celtic’s Europa League squad, instead set to feature in domestic fixtures if registered
- Interest from Arsenal and other English sides has been fended off, with Oxlade-Chamberlain prioritising proximity to home
Oxlade-Chamberlain Nears Celtic Switch After Successful Talks
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is reportedly set to join Celtic following a verbal agreement, as per transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano. The 32 year old midfielder, a former Arsenal and Liverpool player, has been a free agent since his departure from Besiktas in August. He has most recently been maintaining his fitness by training with Arsenal, for whom he amassed 198 appearances across a six-year spell.
While initially linked with a return to Arsenal, Celtic have emerged as the frontrunners, offering the England international a six-month contract with an option for extension. The player is currently in Glasgow and is expected to finalise the move imminently, according to Romano’s update.
🚨⚪️🟢 Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Celtic, here we go! Verbal agreement in place for the midfielder.
He’s in Glasgow today for new chapter on six month deal plus option to extend, as @AnthonyRJoseph reports. pic.twitter.com/y0MeUVi6WV
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 6, 2026
Achievements and Recent Career Details
Oxlade-Chamberlain enjoyed considerable success at Liverpool following his £35million transfer from Arsenal. During his time at Anfield, he was part of squads that won the Champions League, Premier League, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. Although his final seasons with Liverpool were hampered by injuries, his trophy haul marked a memorable chapter in his career.
After leaving Liverpool, he signed for Besiktas in 2023. At the Turkish club, he featured in 46 matches and netted five goals before parting ways last August.
Celtic’s Approach and Registration Status
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill acknowledged his interest in adding the midfielder to the squad earlier this week, stating: “I’ve spoken to him, but I’m sure he has plenty of options, maybe closer to London.”
“I’d be very interested in doing it. I’m surprised people haven’t taken him up.
I think he was very excited about what we were saying. He knows all about the club, he’s a big friend of Joe Hart and Joe has spoken to him – not on our behalf. It’s something we’re interested in but if it doesn’t materialise, it doesn’t materialise.”
Despite moving quickly, Celtic missed the Europa League registration deadline, making the midfielder ineligible for European competition this season. His participation will be restricted to domestic matches, with a possible debut against Dundee this weekend if his paperwork is processed in time.
