Quick Read
- Celtic is exploring a free transfer for midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.
- Bakayoko, 31, is a free agent after leaving Greek side PAOK.
- He is considered an alternative if Celtic’s primary target, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, is not signed.
- Manager Martin O’Neill aims to strengthen the midfield.
- The Europa League squad registration deadline is tonight, February 5, 2026.
GLASGOW (Azat TV) – Scottish Premiership side Celtic Football Club is actively exploring a free transfer move for former Chelsea and AC Milan midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, 31, as an alternative option to their primary target, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Glasgow giants, under manager Martin O’Neill, are seeking to bolster their midfield despite the recent closure of the winter transfer window, with reports indicating Bakayoko could become a key consideration if an agreement with Oxlade-Chamberlain does not materialize.
The Hoops had a busy winter transfer window, bringing in five players on loan, but are still looking to capitalize on the free agent market. With advanced talks reportedly underway for Oxlade-Chamberlain, Bakayoko’s name has emerged as a viable backup plan for Celtic’s midfield reinforcement strategy.
Celtic’s Midfield Reinforcement Strategy
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has made it clear he is keen to bring a new midfielder into his squad, having prioritized attacking options during the January transfer window. The club’s continued activity in the free agent market, even after the transfer window officially closed on Monday night, underscores this commitment. Free transfers allow clubs to sign players outside of the traditional transfer windows, providing flexibility in squad building.
Reports from Sky Sports News confirm that Celtic has been exploring a deal for Bakayoko, a move that could provide significant depth and experience to their squad. While the immediate focus remains on securing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the club is ensuring it has strong alternatives should negotiations stall, particularly with the Europa League knockout stage squad registration deadline approaching tonight, February 5, 2026.
Tiemoue Bakayoko’s Career Trajectory and Free Agent Status
Tiemoue Bakayoko, now 31, is currently a free agent, having left Greek Super League club PAOK after a season. His career has seen him play for several high-profile European clubs since his breakout season with Monaco in 2016/17, where he was part of a team that reached the latter stages of the Champions League alongside stars like Kylian Mbappe and Bernardo Silva.
Following his successful stint at Monaco, Bakayoko moved to Chelsea in 2017. However, his time in London did not go as planned, leading to a series of loan spells at AC Milan, Napoli, and back at AS Monaco, before his eventual move to PAOK. Now without a club, Bakayoko is reportedly keen to prove his quality and make a difference at a top-level club. Celtic could offer him a platform to regain form and compete for domestic silverware and continental football, which could be an attractive proposition for the French midfielder, as noted by Yahoo Sports.
The Oxlade-Chamberlain Priority
Celtic’s primary focus currently appears to be on securing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the former Arsenal and Liverpool star. Discussions between Oxlade-Chamberlain and Celtic have been described as positive, with negotiations progressing well. It was reported that a medical for the ex-England international could potentially take place today, Thursday, February 5, 2026. Manager Martin O’Neill has expressed confidence in Oxlade-Chamberlain’s ability to perform in Celtic’s midfield, stating, “He could play midfield for us easily.”
Despite the advanced talks, a final agreement between Celtic and Oxlade-Chamberlain has not yet been reached, prompting the club to explore alternative options like Bakayoko. Herald Scotland highlighted that should the deal for Oxlade-Chamberlain not materialize, Celtic could reconsider a fresh attempt to sign Bakayoko, positioning him as a viable and experienced alternative.
Impact on Europa League Squad
The urgency to finalize a midfield signing is heightened by the looming deadline for registering a squad for the forthcoming Europa League knockout tie against VfB Stuttgart. The deadline is midnight tonight, February 5, 2026. Martin O’Neill is reportedly eager to add an experienced midfielder to his options to strengthen the team for European competition. Both Oxlade-Chamberlain and Bakayoko possess significant European experience, making either player a valuable asset for Celtic’s ambitions on the continental stage.
The exploration of Tiemoue Bakayoko as a potential free transfer signing, while concurrently pursuing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, underscores Celtic’s pragmatic approach to squad building under Martin O’Neill, aiming to secure experienced talent and bolster their midfield options efficiently as they navigate domestic and European competitions.