Celtic in talks to sign former-Liverpool favourite

Celtic are in advanced talks to sign former Liverpool midfielder Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain.

The 32-year-old has been a free agent since having his contract terminated at Besiktas last summer.

The Hoops are confident of completing the deal in the coming hours, with the Englishman set to have a medical shortly.

Sky Sports News first reported Celtic’s interest in Oxlade-Chamberlain on Monday, and manager Martin O’Neill said that he’d held talks with the player in his press conference on Tuesday.

The former Arsenal midfielder has been training with Mikel Arteta’s squad in recent months to keep himself fresh for any potential transfer.

Oxlade-Chamberlain would bring plenty of experience to Celtic Park

Oxlade-Chamberlain would bring a wealth of experience to O’Neil’s side, having made nearly 250 appearances in the Premier League during spells with Arsenal and Liverpool.

Liverpool signed the energetic midfielder from the Gunners in 2017 for a fee of £35 million, and the Englishman quickly established himself as an integral part of Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Oxlade-Chamberlain scored during both of Liverpool’s famous wins over Manchester City during that season, including one in their Champions League quarter-final clash on their way to the final in 2018.

Unfortunately, a serious knee injury late in the season derailed Oxlade-Chamberlain’s promising start at Liverpool, although the 32-year-old did come back to help the Reds win the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020.

The Englishman left Liverpool when his contract expired in the summer of 2022 after struggling with various injuries during his time on Merseyside.

What has Oxlade-Chamberlain been up to since Liverpool exit?

Since then, the midfielder has been plying his trade in the Turkish Super Lig, where he scored five goals in 50 appearances for Besiktas and helped the club win the Turkish Cup in 2024.

However, the 32-year-old’s time at Besiktas ended on somewhat of a sour note under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The former United boss agreed to terminate the midfielder’s contract early and pay Oxlade-Chamberlain £1.5 million in compensation.

Despite a career plagued by injuries, there is still plenty for the 32-year-old to offer Scottish football.

If Celtic can keep Oxlade-Chamberlain fit, he could become a real asset to the Hoops as they look to chase down leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.