Celtic make decision on second free signing after Oxlade-Chamberlain agreement

Celtic have pulled the plug on a deal to sign former Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko after reaching an agreement with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The Scottish transfer window closed on Monday night, but the Hoops have continued to scour the market for opportunities. Celtic can still sign free agents to bolster their team.

Earlier this week, their interest in former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was confirmed by interim boss Martin O’Neill, who revealed that the 32-year-old was excited about the prospect of joining the Parkhead club.

Despite some concerns that the former England man could favour suitors closer to London, Celtic have reached an agreement to sign him on an initial deal until the summer. Should he prove a successful reinforcement, his terms could be extended.

However, Oxlade-Chamberlain isn’t the only player Celtic considered signing on a Bosman. According to L’Equipe, the Glasgow giants were also closing in on an agreement with former Chelsea midfielder Tiemou Bakayoko.

Celtic pull out of Bakayoko deal

Like Oxlade-Chamberlain, the 31-year-old has been a free agent since the summer, when he left Greek side PAOK. Celtic, the French outlet claims, were in talks with Bakayoko over an 18-month contract.

An agreement was close, but the Hoops have now pulled the plug on the deal after receiving the green light from Oxlade-Chamberlain. They were only ever going to sign one of the two.

This leaves Bakayoko in limbo. Since starring for Monaco during their famous run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2017, the Frenchman has struggled to impress. He became one of the biggest flops in Chelsea history after sealing a €40 million move following his Monaco exploits.

After loans to AC Milan, Monaco and Napoli, he joined Lorient on a free transfer in 2023. He moved to Greece the following year, but again he lasted just 12 months. It remains to be seen what the future holds for him.

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