Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were not spotted as Celtic returned to Lennoxtown for pre-season, with both players now just days away from the end of their current deals.
The pair are due to be out of contract on Tuesday, June 30, meaning there are only four days left for Celtic to make a decision unless something has already been agreed privately.
That will only add to the uncertainty around both players. Martin O’Neill has now started work with the squad again, but there has still been no official update on whether either Iheanacho or Oxlade-Chamberlain will be offered fresh terms.
It is a situation that needs clarity quickly.
Neither player arrived at Celtic as a long-term certainty. Both came with experience, both had points to prove, and both had spells where supporters were split on whether they should stay beyond the summer.
Iheanacho’s case is the stronger one. The striker finished the season well and produced important moments when Celtic needed them, including his late penalty against Motherwell during the title run-in. CeltsAreHere understands he wants to remain at the club, but Celtic have yet to put a new deal on the table.
With Tomas Cvancara back at Borussia Monchengladbach and Daizen Maeda’s future still uncertain, allowing Iheanacho to leave without at least replacing him would leave Celtic short up front.
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s situation feels less clear. He showed flashes of quality and brought experience to the squad, but he was not as influential as Iheanacho towards the end of the campaign. Celtic also look set to strengthen in midfield, which may make his future harder to call.
Still, both players proved useful in different ways. Iheanacho had a bigger impact in the final weeks, while Oxlade-Chamberlain offered calmness and experience when used.
The concern now is timing. Celtic are back in training, the rebuild is already under way, and two senior players still appear to be waiting on decisions before their contracts expire.
O’Neill needs numbers, but he also needs certainty. If both are leaving, Celtic must move quickly. If either is staying, supporters should not have to wait much longer to find out.
Keep Reading
