In early February 2026, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, a former midfielder for Liverpool and Arsenal, is set to join Celtic in Scotland. The 32-year-old player became a free agent after terminating his contract with Besiktas in August 2025. Prior to finalizing his move to Celtic, he has been training with Arsenal to maintain his fitness. During this time, Celtic's manager Martin O'Neill expressed his interest in signing Oxlade-Chamberlain and confirmed that discussions had taken place between the club and the player. While both parties are close to agreeing on a six-month contract with an option to extend, O'Neill indicated that not all details had been finalized yet, resulting in Oxlade-Chamberlain missing the registration deadline for the Europa League squad. Celtic's strategy involves a comprehensive approach, focusing not only on bringing in new talent but also navigating the existing challenges with their fan base, as the club has faced discord between supporters and the board over various issues. The recent recruitment also reflects a strategic plan to enhance the squad for the remainder of the season, especially as they prepare for the Scottish Cup tie against Dundee. O'Neill has emphasized the importance of Oxlade-Chamberlain's potential contributions and has utilized his connections, mentioning that the player is a friend of Celtic's goalkeeper Joe Hart, which may have positively influenced Oxlade-Chamberlain’s decision to join the Hoops. Furthermore, discussions around improving communication and unity between the fans and club administration are critical as they navigate the complex environment surrounding Celtic at this time. The situation continues to evolve, as O'Neill aims to integrate new players into the squad and maintain a balance between addressing team needs and responding to fan expectations.