Oxlade-Chamberlain ‘set to sign’ new Celtic deal as O’Neill keeps faith

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is reportedly closing in on a new one-year contract at Celtic, with the former Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder set to extend his stay at Parkhead. Sky Sports understands the 32-year-old has decided to commit his future to the Hoops despite interest from elsewhere in Europe, with his relationship with manager Martin O’Neill described as a decisive factor.

Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Celtic on a short-term deal in February after being persuaded to move north of the border by O’Neill. That original contract, running to the end of last season, included an option for a further year, and it is that clause the England international is now expected to trigger.

Impact since arriving on a free transfer

The former England international scored twice in 12 appearances after signing on a free transfer midway through last season, playing his part as Celtic completed a league and Scottish Cup double under O’Neill. According to Sky Sports, Oxlade-Chamberlain’s happiness working under the veteran boss, combined with O’Neill’s desire to retain him, proved key to the player agreeing to stay on despite offers from other clubs on the continent.

His arrival at Celtic Park last winter marked a significant coup for the Scottish Premiership champions, given his pedigree from spells at Southampton, Arsenal and Liverpool as well as his England caps. Extending his deal would give O’Neill continuity in midfield as the club aims to defend both the league title and Scottish Cup this coming season.

Iheanacho set to leave as contract option not taken up

The news of Oxlade-Chamberlain’s expected new deal comes as Celtic have reportedly decided against extending the contract of Kelechi Iheanacho. The Sun reports that the Nigeria international, who joined on a free transfer last summer from Sheffield United, is set to depart after the club chose not to take up the option in his contract.

Iheanacho, 29, scored a number of important goals in the closing weeks of last season as O’Neill’s side sealed their domestic double, and is said to be attracting interest from several clubs in Turkey’s top flight. His likely exit means Celtic will need to address their forward options during the transfer window, even as they move to secure Oxlade-Chamberlain’s long-term future in midfield.

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