New Chapter Unfolds: Oxlade-Chamberlain Lands at Celtic
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's highly anticipated move to Celtic was officially confirmed on Friday, ending his stint as a free agent following his departure from Besiktas. During his time away from club football, the former Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder maintained his fitness by training with his old club Arsenal, sparking brief speculation of a sensational return to the Emirates. However, those rumors were quickly dispelled.
Key Points:
- Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has officially joined Celtic on a permanent deal.
- Fiancée Perrie Edwards and their two young children are set to relocate to Glasgow, ensuring a full family reunion.
- The move marks a fresh chapter for the midfielder after his departure from Besiktas and a period as a free agent.
- Oxlade-Chamberlain is eager for the challenge, seeing Celtic as the ideal environment for his career resurgence.
Family First: Perrie Edwards & Kids Head to Glasgow
In a significant development for the player's personal life, pop star fiancée Perrie Edwards and their two young children are set to join Oxlade-Chamberlain in Glasgow. This marks a notable change from his time in Turkey, where Perrie often split her time between Istanbul and England to focus on her burgeoning solo career, leading to periods of family separation.
Now, the family will be reunited full-time as Oxlade-Chamberlain embarks on this crucial new phase of his career. The couple welcomed their son in 2021 and their daughter in January of this year, making the family unit's stability a top priority for the midfielder.
Oxlade-Chamberlain himself confirmed the exciting news, stating, "She'll be up here for sure. We've just had our second baby, so she's only four weeks old. So I think a few more weeks and they'll probably head up here for sure." He added, "My son will definitely want to come up and he loves his football now, so it's good for him to come up." He playfully noted Perrie's only complaint about Glasgow is the weather but assured fans she "loves it up here."
Chambo's Ambition: A Drive for Resurgence in Scotland
Speaking to Celtic TV about his move, Oxlade-Chamberlain expressed his excitement and belief in the club's vision. He highlighted conversations with the manager, where the expectations, targets, and the push for individual growth resonated deeply with him. "It just felt like the perfect fit for me," he stated, emphasizing his desire to contribute and assist the team.
The midfielder views this as a vital challenge, a chance to reignite his career in an environment he's familiar with from his time at elite clubs. "It's exactly what I need. I need another challenge and lucky enough at a massive club like this. And they can help me get back to where I need to get to and, more importantly, I need to help the team achieve the goals we want to do," he affirmed, signaling his commitment to Celtic's ambitions.
Instant Rivalry: Perrie Edwards' Pre-Existing Rangers Connection
Adding an intriguing twist to the family's arrival in Glasgow, Perrie Edwards already has a curious, albeit light-hearted, connection to Celtic's fiercest rivals, Rangers. Back in 2016, during her Little Mix days, the girl group's single 'Touch' was vying for the Christmas No.1 spot.
Coincidentally, Rangers fans launched a campaign to get 'Glad All Over' by The Dave Clark Five to the top, honoring then-striker Joe Garner with a chant based on the song. While neither track ultimately clinched the top spot, the social media banter between Little Mix fans and Rangers supporters could subtly endear Perrie to the Celtic faithful in her new home, adding an unexpected layer to the historic Glasgow rivalry. Celtic currently sit third in the Scottish Premiership, six points behind leaders Hearts and three behind Rangers, with a game in hand.
