Celtic transfer news: 3 reasons Kelechi Iheanacho deserved new contract ahead of ex-Arsenal star

Scottish Premiership champions Celtic have handed former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain a new one-year contract, Afrik-Foot reports.

This development comes after Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho was allowed to leave the club as a free agent.

The decision has surprised many supporters because both players played important roles in Celtic’s successful 2025/26 campaign. However, the club chose to activate Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract extension while allowing Iheanacho’s deal to expire at the end of June.

The move means the Nigerian forward is now free to negotiate with clubs across Europe without a transfer fee, while Oxlade-Chamberlain will remain at Parkhead until May 2027.

Oxlade-Chamberlain rewarded after helping Celtic win domestic double

Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Celtic as a free agent in February 2026 after leaving Turkish club Beşiktaş. Although he had been without a club for six months, the experienced midfielder quickly settled into Martin O’Neill’s team.

The 32-year-old made 12 appearances in all competitions and scored twice. His most memorable moment came on his debut when he scored a dramatic late winner against Livingston.

He also played his part as Celtic completed another domestic double by winning the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup. The club’s management were impressed with his experience, professionalism and influence in the dressing room.

Celtic have now triggered the 12-month extension clause that was included in his original contract. Reports also suggest the former England international turned down offers from clubs in Europe and Major League Soccer before deciding to stay in Glasgow.

Instead of travelling with Celtic for their pre-season trip to Ireland, Oxlade-Chamberlain will join the squad later at their training camp in Portugal as preparations continue for the new season.

Iheanacho’s Celtic future ends despite decisive goals

Unlike Oxlade-Chamberlain, Iheanacho’s contract extension option was not activated before the deadline, making the 29-year-old a free agent.

The Nigerian striker is currently back home training on his own after he was absent when Celtic players returned for pre-season at Lennoxtown.

Although manager Martin O’Neill is reportedly interested in keeping Iheanacho, no formal contract offer has been made. The delay allowed the extension clause to expire, opening the door for interested clubs to approach the Super Eagles star.

Celtic’s hesitation is believed to be linked to concerns over his fitness after injuries limited his playing time during the season. The club also reportedly wanted to reduce their wage bill before making a long-term commitment.

Despite those concerns, Iheanacho still produced some of the biggest moments of Celtic’s season. He scored a dramatic 99th-minute penalty winner against Motherwell before adding another crucial late goal against Hibernian during the title race.

He also came off the bench to score a brilliant solo goal against Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup, helping Celtic complete their domestic double.

Why Iheanacho deserved the new contract more

Looking at both players’ contributions, there is a strong argument that Iheanacho earned a contract extension ahead of Oxlade-Chamberlain.

First, the Super Eagles striker delivered several match-winning moments in the biggest games. His late goals directly earned valuable points that proved decisive in Celtic’s successful league title defence, while his Scottish Cup strike also had a major impact on lifting another trophy.

Second, Iheanacho is only 29 years old and remains in what many consider the peak years for a striker. A new contract would have protected Celtic’s investment and potentially allowed the club to earn a transfer fee in the future. Oxlade-Chamberlain, now 32, has far less resale value despite his experience.

Finally, quality forwards who can score important goals are often more difficult and expensive to replace than experienced midfielders. Iheanacho showed throughout the season that he could change matches from the bench and deliver under pressure, making him a valuable option whenever Celtic needed a goal.

Regardless, Celtic have chosen experience in midfield over proven firepower in attack. Whether that decision proves to be the right one will become clearer as the new season begins, while Iheanacho now prepares for the next chapter of his career with several clubs expected to monitor his availability on a free transfer.