Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s first taste of life at Celtic came with plenty of drama, even if he never set foot on the pitch.
The club confirmed the midfielder’s arrival on a free transfer over the weekend and, as Martin O’Neill’s side faced Dundee in the Scottish Cup, the new signing was introduced to the Celtic Park crowd. What followed was a wild finale that underlined just how chaotic the night turned out to be.
While Oxlade-Chamberlain watched on, fellow newcomer Junior Adamu stole the spotlight. Signed on deadline day, the striker announced himself in spectacular fashion by curling home a superb finish deep into stoppage time to force extra time. Sebastian Tounekti earned praise for his goal and assist, but Adamu’s moment was priceless. After the bleak spell under Wilfried Nancy, Celtic are beginning to show signs of life again under O’Neill, though getting Oxlade-Chamberlain match ready quickly is now a priority.
How Oxlade-Chamberlain fits into Celtic’s midfield
Celtic’s problems this season have been well documented. The wide areas still lack true replacements for Jota and Nicolas Kuhn, while in attack Daizen Maeda has not reached last season’s levels. Even so, midfield remains the area causing the biggest headaches, which explains why the club moved for Oxlade-Chamberlain once the window shut.
Calum McGregor has needed a consistent partner in the engine room for some time. Several players have filled the role, but none have delivered regularly. Reo Hatate, once hailed as one of the Premiership’s standout performers under Ange Postecoglou, looks a shadow of his former self. His game has become cautious, with little drive or attacking spark.
Arne Engels is another key figure, yet his future remains uncertain after Nottingham Forest tested Celtic’s resolve with a huge bid on deadline day. O’Neill joked it would take a world-record fee to prise him away, but the interest has left questions hanging over his long-term stay.
Benjamin Nygren has also been used centrally, though his best work arguably comes higher up the pitch. His 15 goals this season back that up. With Hatate struggling and Engels absent at the weekend, the door is open for Oxlade-Chamberlain to step in as McGregor’s partner.
It may take time, though. The 32-year-old has trained with Arsenal but has not played competitively since May during his spell at Besiktas. Match sharpness will need to be built carefully.
Who loses out from Oxlade-Chamberlain’s arrival
Even if he is past his peak, Oxlade-Chamberlain’s pedigree cannot be ignored. He has won both the Premier League and the Champions League and enjoyed an outstanding career when fit. His arrival is a major statement and bad news for several players already at the club.
Hatate’s place is under threat, but the biggest concern may be for Paulo Bernardo. Both have been options alongside McGregor, yet O’Neill’s lack of trust in Bernardo has been obvious. The Portuguese midfielder attracted interest in January, including a loan approach from Denmark, but Celtic turned it down due to a lack of cover. In hindsight, that decision looks questionable.
Now that Oxlade-Chamberlain is in the building, it is hard to see where Bernardo fits. The £3.5 million signing has managed just 200 minutes across eight appearances under O’Neill since his return, and his recent displays have done little to change the manager’s view.
The Dundee cup tie was his first start since the previous round against Auchinleck. In the league, he has not featured since late December, when he was taken off at half time against Motherwell. He was substituted at the break again on Saturday, which said plenty.
Bernardo offered little in or out of possession, and O’Neill’s decision spoke volumes. Oxlade-Chamberlain, with his ability to drive forward, break lines and cover ground, looks like the antidote. For Bernardo, it feels increasingly like the end of the road at Celtic.