Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is close to agreeing a move to Celtic, but that hasn’t stopped Kris Boyd from attempting to criticise the move, despite his comments on another former Premier League star resurfacing.
Oxlade-Chamberlain is set to undergo a medical in Glasgow today, ahead of a move to the Hoops until the end of the season, with an option to extend for a further year.
The 32-year-old would arrive with bags of experience, having won the Champions League with Liverpool, along with three FA Cups at Arsenal, among many trophies.
He’s had his injury issues of late, but Martin O’Neill will know that if managed correctly, Celtic could have a valuable player on their hands.
Oxlade-Chamberlain knows all about pressure, which could prove vital as the Hoops look to win the race to the title come May.
Though Kris Boyd couldn’t help himself when it came to his potential move to Glasgow’s east end.
He’s described it as a ‘desperate’ bid to appease supporters. Not sure how desperate signing a free agent is, exactly.
He said (Scottish Sun):
“It reminds me a bit of Aaron Ramsey coming into Rangers in the January of 2022.
“A guy who’d only started one game for Juventus that season who came to Scotland to get playing again.”
Strange comments given Boyd dubbed Ramsey as the biggest signing Scottish football had seen since Paul Gascoigne at the time, before backtracking after the disastrous move. Talk about jumping the gun.
It’s possible to be excited by the arrival of Oxlade-Chamberlain without going over the top, as many on the other side of Glasgow did when Aaron Ramsey arrived in Glasgow.
The move doesn’t require hyperbole, but the 32-year-old will be eager to prove he still has plenty to offer at a club with such high demands.
For all the faults throughout the January transfer window, this seems like a smart move more than anything.
No transfer fee, an initial six-month deal, and a player who will bring character and quality into the dressing room.
All of Celtic’s January arrivals are aged 25 or under. Oxlade-Chamberlain brings a different dynamic, having played at the very top for years.
His former boss, Nigel Adkins, believes he can make a ‘big difference’ in Scotland.
Celtic fans aren’t hailing this as the biggest signing Scotland has seen since Henrik Larsson. Many see this as a good move, if he stays fit, and one that can make an impact.
There will be no back-peddling if it doesn’t work out, unlike some.
Saturday’s Scottish Cup fifth-round tie will come too early if Oxlade-Chamberlain were to sign today. He may even need a few weeks to be brought up to speed.
He has, however, been training with Arsenal to maintain fitness levels, meaning a debut may not be too far away.
It’s a welcome addition to Celtic’s central midfield, a position he has transitioned into in recent years. He won’t start every single game, but it offers another option if things get stale in the centre of the park.
