Image Credits: Imago Images
The winter transfer window may be closed, but business between clubs is still very much alive. Teams across Europe are still permitted to sign free agents who are out of contract or have recently been released, allowing managers to tweak their squads without spending a penny on transfer fees.
This gives clubs the chance to bring in experienced cover, short‑term fixes for injury crises, or impact players to bolster key areas for the run‑in. It also offers a lifeline to players let go earlier in the season, who can still secure moves on deals that typically run until the end of the campaign.
And it appears Celtic are poised to make the most of this opportunity. The Scottish giants have officially announced the signing of former Liverpool man Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The 32-year-old left Merseyside on a free transfer in 2023 after six injury-hit but trophy-laden seasons, where he lifted the Premier League, Champions League, and more while making 146 appearances.
He has been a free agent since leaving Turkish side Besiktas in August last year. Speaking on the move to Celtic TV, the former England international said:
“It’s been a busy few days but I’m delighted and really excited. Speaking with the manager, it just felt like the perfect fit for me and I feel like I can come in and help out the lads.”
“Just talking to the manager, and Shaun Maloney as well, who told the expectations on the club and hat it means to play here, what our targets are and that he”s going to push me.”
“That’s all the stuff I identify with and that’s the environment I’ve always been in and been lucky enough to be in.”
“It’s exactly what I need. I need another challenge and lucky enough at a massive club like this. And they can help me get back to where I need to get to and, more importantly, I need to help the team acheive the goals we want to do.”
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