Another Celtic signing incoming. O’Neill confirms the move as Rangers and Hearts watch nervously — the title race is heating up.
Celtic fans have every reason to be buzzing right now. With the January transfer window slammed shut, but free agents still fair game, Martin O’Neill has pulled off what could prove to be a masterstroke by securing the services of former Arsenal, Liverpool, and England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The 32-year-old, a free agent since departing Besiktas last summer, is set to undergo his medical in Glasgow and put pen to paper on a short-term deal until the end of the season, with an option for extension. O’Neill himself confirmed the impending arrival, stating he had spoken directly to the player and was optimistic about the move going through smoothly.
This isn’t just any squad addition — it’s a statement of intent from Celtic at a pivotal moment in the campaign. The Hoops have been chasing the leaders in the Scottish Premiership, trailing Hearts by several points while fending off a resurgent Rangers side. O’Neill’s return as manager (initially interim, now extended) has already injected fresh energy into the team. Recent results, including a solid win over Falkirk that lifted Celtic above Rangers into second place, have shown progress. But the squad needed more quality and experience in midfield, especially with injuries and form dips testing depth.
Oxlade-Chamberlain brings exactly that. Capped 35 times by England, he boasts a wealth of Premier League experience — over 200 appearances across Arsenal and Liverpool — plus European pedigree from Champions League and Europa League runs. His versatility is a major plus: comfortable in central midfield, on the right, or even as an attacking option, he offers the technical quality, work rate, and big-game mentality Celtic desperately need for the run-in. O’Neill, who has masterminded a revival since taking charge, praised the talks with the player and highlighted how Oxlade-Chamberlain’s desire to join aligned perfectly with the club’s ambitions.
The timing couldn’t be better. Celtic’s January window was busy with loan additions like Julian Araujo (from Bournemouth), Tomas Cvancara (Borussia Monchengladbach), Junior Adamu (Freiburg), Joel Mvuka (Lorient), and Benjamin Arthur (Brentford). Those deals bolstered attack, defense, and wings, but the midfield remained a concern. Rejecting a hefty £25m bid from Nottingham Forest for key man Arne Engels showed the board’s commitment to keeping the core intact. Now, adding Oxlade-Chamberlain on a free transfer is shrewd business — no fee, but huge potential upside.
Rangers and Hearts must be feeling the heat. Rangers, sitting just behind Celtic, have been inconsistent despite their own recruitment efforts. Hearts, the surprise package leading the table, now face a Celtic side strengthened by O’Neill’s nous and this high-profile coup. The veteran manager has already turned around a faltering campaign, masterminding consecutive wins and a push in Europe. With Oxlade-Chamberlain potentially available for upcoming fixtures — possibly debuting soon after clearance — Celtic’s engine room gains creativity, leadership, and that Premier League-winning aura.
This move signals Celtic aren’t content to chase; they’re aiming to overhaul. O’Neill’s Celtic legacy (three league titles, multiple cups, and a UEFA Cup final during his first stint) gives fans hope he can deliver again. The title race, already intense, just got fiercer. Rangers will need to respond quickly, while Hearts know their lead is under serious threat from a rejuvenated Parkhead outfit.
For Celtic supporters, this is the spark they’ve craved. Oxlade-Chamberlain isn’t just another signing — he’s a game-changer who could tilt the balance in the final stretch. As O’Neill builds his squad, the message is clear: the Hoops are coming for the crown, and the Old Firm rivals should be very nervous indeed. The Premiership title race is officially heating up, and Celtic look ready to turn up the temperature even more.
