Celtic were close to signing Tiémoué Bakayoko before deciding to go for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlian, according to a report from L’Équipe. The French outlet say the midfielder was almost on his way to Glasgow after months without a club, only for Celtic to change their plan late on.
Bakayoko has been without a team since leaving PAOK Thessaloniki last summer. After six months out of the game, Celtic became an option. Talks reportedly moved fast and an 18-month contract was ready for the 31-year-old, a deal that would have run until the end of next season. At that stage, the move was nearly complete.
The report says it all changed when Celtic looked again at the free-agent market. Instead of finishing the Bakayoko deal, the club chose to push ahead with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder is also a free agent after leaving Besiktas and is 32.
Celtic fc target Alex Oxlade Chamberlain
Oxlade-Chamberlain has been keeping himself fit by training at Arsenal, where he began his career. L’Équipe say he has travelled to complete his medical as Celtic move quickly to secure a deal.
The choice was about the type of player they wanted, not who was available, with Celtic preferring a more attack-minded midfielder than the more defensive Bakayoko.
Bakayoko brings strength and cover in midfield, but Celtic have often needed more energy and goals through the middle. Oxlade-Chamberlain offers something different, with the ability to carry the ball and play higher up the pitch.
Bakayoko was reportedly close to signing, the contract was said to be agreed, and talks were well advanced. In the end, Celtic made a late call to look elsewhere.