Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain arrives, but Celtic's midfield plans could still pivot towards former Chelsea star Tiemoue Bakayoko.
Celtic have completed the signing of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a six-month deal, but the club could still revisit a move for former Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko in the near future.
The Hoops hold an option to extend Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract by a further year, and what happens with that clause may shape their next steps in midfield recruitment.
Oxlade-Chamberlain arrives in Glasgow with a wealth of experience from his time at Arsenal and Liverpool, giving Martin O’Neill an immediate boost in creativity, versatility, and big-game know-how.
His short-term contract allows Celtic to assess his fitness and form after a period disrupted by injuries, while still giving them the security of an extra year if everything goes to plan.
Celtic's Summer Plans May Include Former Chelsea Star
However, the structure of the deal also keeps Celtic’s options open. If the Premier League winner impresses and stays fit, the club can trigger the additional year and build their midfield around him. If not, and the option is left unused, it could reopen the door for a fresh pursuit of Bakayoko as an alternative reinforcement.
The Frenchman, who made his name in Monaco’s thrilling 2016/17 side alongside Kylian Mbappe and Bernardo Silva, still has a point to prove at the top level after a difficult spell at Chelsea and several loans around Europe.
He has a good physical presence, ball-winning ability, and experience in Serie A and European competitions, which could appeal to Celtic if they decide they need a different profile in the middle of the park.
Things are not so stable at Celtic. Manager O'Neill is in an interim capacity, and it is not known if he will continue next season.
Furthermore, considering that all the signings they made in January are loans and that Oxlade-Chamberlain signed for only six months, things could be very different in the summer, which could open the door for Bakayoko. We shall see.
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