NafisaSquad continuity is often just as important as bringing in brand-new faces during a transfer window. While supporters naturally focus on fresh arrivals, managers also understand the value of keeping experienced players who already know the demands of the club and the expectations that come with wearing the Celtic shirt.
As preparations continue for another demanding domestic and European campaign, Martin O’Neill has been carefully assessing which members of last season’s squad deserve to remain part of his long-term plans.
With several contracts requiring decisions, Celtic have been quietly working behind the scenes to strengthen the dressing room without necessarily entering the transfer market.
That approach appears to have delivered another positive outcome for the Scottish champions.
Celtic have reportedly secured the services of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for another season after convincing the experienced midfielder to extend his stay at Parkhead.
According to Sky Sports, the former Liverpool and Arsenal star is set to sign a new one-year contract after agreeing to activate the extension clause that was included in the short-term deal he signed when arriving in February.
Oxlade-Chamberlain initially joined Celtic until the end of the campaign after Martin O’Neill played a key role in persuading him to make the move north of the border.
The 32-year-old went on to make 12 appearances in green and white, scoring twice while adding valuable experience during Celtic’s successful run to another Premiership and Scottish Cup double.
Reports suggest O’Neill’s desire to retain the midfielder, together with Oxlade-Chamberlain’s enjoyment of working under the veteran manager, proved decisive in convincing him to continue his journey with the Hoops.
The report also claims the former England international received interest from clubs elsewhere in Europe but has chosen to commit his immediate future to Celtic instead.
The latest contract development comes as Celtic appear ready to part ways with another experienced attacker.
Reports indicate the club have decided against exercising the option to extend Kelechi Iheanacho’s stay following the expiry of his initial agreement.
The Nigerian forward arrived on a free transfer last summer and produced several important goals during the closing weeks of the season as Celtic completed another domestic double.
However, The Sun reports that Iheanacho is now expected to move on, with multiple clubs from the Turkish top flight monitoring his situation ahead of the new campaign.
While one experienced Premier League winner looks set to depart Glasgow, another has now chosen to remain, giving Martin O’Neill another trusted option as Celtic prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
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