Liverpool Champions League winner set to sign for Celtic | OneFootball

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Opens Talks With Celtic as Coaching Ambitions Take Shape

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s next move in football may blend playing ambition with long-term planning, as discussions with Celtic intensify alongside his pursuit of coaching qualifications. The former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder is currently a free agent after leaving Beşiktaş last summer, and is now weighing up his options while preparing for life beyond his playing career.

According to reporting from DaveOCKOP, the 32-year-old has been training with Arsenal in recent months as he seeks both fitness and clarity over his next destination. With Celtic showing concrete interest and Arsenal monitoring his coaching development, Oxlade-Chamberlain stands at a crossroads that could shape the final chapter of his professional career.

Photo: IMAGO

Celtic Interest Grows Amid Contract Discussions

Celtic have emerged as the leading contenders to secure Oxlade-Chamberlain’s signature, with manager Martin O’Neill confirming direct communication between the club and the player. Speaking openly about their interest, O’Neill said:

“I’ve spoken to him, but I’m sure he has plenty of options, maybe closer to London. I’d be very interested in doing it. I’m surprised people haven’t taken him up.”

He added: “I think he was very excited about what we were saying. He knows all about the club… It’s something we’re interested in but if it doesn’t materialise, it doesn’t materialise.”

Those comments underline both Celtic’s intent and the competitive nature of the negotiations. While no agreement has yet been finalised, the Scottish champions view Oxlade-Chamberlain’s experience and versatility as valuable assets, particularly as they seek to balance domestic dominance with European progression.

From the player’s perspective, a move to Glasgow would offer regular football, high-pressure competition, and a platform to re-establish himself after several disrupted seasons.

Career Journey From Southampton to Free Agency

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s career trajectory reflects both elite achievement and persistent adversity. After emerging at Southampton, he joined Arsenal in 2011, where he collected three FA Cup winners’ medals and established himself as one of England’s most dynamic midfielders.

A £35 million move to Liverpool followed in 2017, where he contributed to a golden era that delivered the Champions League, Premier League, League Cup, Super Cup, and Club World Cup. His performances during the 2017–18 and 2018–19 seasons, in particular, showcased his ability to operate at the highest level.

However, injuries gradually curtailed his momentum. A serious knee ligament injury sidelined him for almost a year, followed by further setbacks, including a hamstring problem in 2022. Despite these challenges, he remained a valued squad member before departing for Beşiktaş.

In Turkey, he made 46 appearances and scored five goals, demonstrating resilience and professionalism. Yet, following his exit last August, he has remained without a club, prompting a period of reflection and reassessment.

Arsenal Training Period Supports Fitness and Future Planning

During his time as a free agent, Oxlade-Chamberlain has trained with Arsenal, using the club’s facilities to maintain match readiness. This arrangement has also allowed him to reconnect with former colleagues and coaching staff.

More significantly, it has supported his transition towards coaching. According to the Daily Mail, he has been completing his UEFA B licence at the club, with manager Mikel Arteta keen to involve him in Arsenal’s future setup.

Arteta is said to admire Oxlade-Chamberlain’s professionalism and tactical understanding, having played alongside him between 2014 and 2016. The pair’s relationship has remained strong, and Arsenal view him as a potential long-term asset off the pitch.

At present, the UEFA B licence allows him to coach youth-level teams, but progression to a UEFA A licence would enable first-team involvement, a process that could take up to 12 months.

Balancing Playing Ambition With Coaching Development

Oxlade-Chamberlain now faces a delicate balancing act. On one hand, he remains determined to extend his playing career at a competitive level. On the other, he is laying foundations for a future in management and coaching.

Celtic may represent an ideal compromise. Regular first-team football in a demanding environment would allow him to maintain his playing standards, while continuing his education in leadership and tactical development.

The broader context also matters. Arteta’s interest reflects a growing trend at Arsenal to reintegrate former players into technical roles, strengthening the club’s institutional memory and identity. For Oxlade-Chamberlain, this presents a potential pathway back to north London once his boots are eventually hung up.

For now, his focus remains on securing the right short-term move. As O’Neill acknowledged, “he has plenty of options”, and the final decision will hinge on playing opportunities, personal circumstances, and long-term planning.

Whether he chooses Celtic or another destination, this phase of his career is about transition rather than reinvention. It is about maximising remaining playing years while preparing for a second act in football.