Celtic have now decided to keep one of their veteran stars despite missing an initial deadline this summer. Patience has been wearing thin among Bhoys fans this summer, with no new signings managed to date.
Martin O'Neill wanted more efficient recruitment this summer, but he hasn't been given that yet. He does look to be getting his way over one player, though.
Celtic agree new Oxlade-Chamberlain deal
According to TeamTalk's Graeme Bailey, Celtic have now agreed a deal with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to keep him for next season.
“Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has agreed a new deal with Scottish champions Celtic, @TEAMtalk understands," wrote Bailey.
“The 32-year-old had interest back in the Premier League, as well as in Europe and MLS, but he has been persuaded to stay in Glasgow by Martin O’Neill.”
Ox;ade-Chamberlain joined Celtic in the winter on a short-term deak, going on to make nine league appearances. The veteran is unlikely to be a regular starter going forward, but he will be a useful squad member and indeed a valued voice, given his experience.
Celtic had the chance to keeo Oxlade-Chamberkain wih an automatic renewal clause by extending his current deal before June 30, but it seems a new contract has been agreed altogether.
The Ox has been absent from Celtic's pre-season so far, but he will likely make a swift return when the new deal is announced.
O'Neill a huge fan of Oxlade-Chamberlain
Speaking last season, O'Neill said of Oxlade-Chamberlain:“He’s been a class player, there’s no question about it.
“He’s played for big teams and performed brilliantly so I’m just really delighted to have him and getting him onto the field as well too. He turns the game for us which is brilliant. It was a great strike and I was right behind it when I saw it. The minute it left his foot, I thought, ‘this is in’.
“I think that he can give us something, no question about that. He’s a really decent player and he gets up to speed with things. He’s only done it a couple of days and I couldn’t be more pleased with him.
“He’s made a big impact, believe it or not, even in the training sessions with the rest of the players, which is always a good sign. I’m just delighted he’s in and I think that, when he’s properly fit, he’ll be great for us.”
With Oxlade-Chamberlain now reportedly signed, it will be interesting to see what Celtic do with Kelechi Iheanacho, who had the same sort of short-term deal
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