Parkhead midfielder Arne Engels subject of transfer interest
Arne Engels, the Celtic midfielder, is reportedly nearing an exit from the club as interest in the Belgian player intensifies. The 22-year-old, who joined Celtic in August 2024 from Bundesliga club Augsburg for £11million, is understood to be a target for several clubs.
West Ham has reportedly placed Engels at the top of their wanted list. The London club is currently undertaking a squad revamp following their recent relegation from the Premier League. According to reports, West Ham has initiated discussions with Celtic regarding a potential transfer for Engels.
Other clubs have also shown interest in the midfielder. Nottingham Forest, which made multiple bids exceeding £20million for Engels on the January deadline day, is among the interested parties. Fulham and Sunderland have also been linked with the player. Additionally, Serie A clubs AC Milan, Lazio, and Roma are reportedly monitoring his situation. AC Milan had the opportunity to observe Engels during his 76 minutes on the pitch in a recent 2-2 draw.
Engels’ recent performances and club history
Engels played a significant role in Celtic’s recent successes. He returned strongly after missing seven consecutive games due to a thigh injury earlier in the year. His contributions helped the team secure a league and cup double. He scored a crucial penalty in the 3-1 title-deciding victory against Hearts at Parkhead. A week later, he netted the second goal in Martin O’Neill’s side’s 3-1 Scottish Cup Final triumph over Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline at Hampden on May 23.
This goal against Dunfermline is anticipated to be Engels’ final goal for Celtic. Similarly, Daizen Maeda scored the opener in the same final, which proved to be his farewell goal before his £10million move to Ipswich Town a week prior. Kelechi Iheanacho, who scored Celtic’s third goal in that match, has since joined Turkish club Bursaspor.
Engels has made a total of 98 appearances for Celtic, scoring 17 goals and providing 21 assists. He still has two years remaining on his current contract with the club. Celtic is reportedly seeking a transfer fee of £25million for the player.
Transfer market activity and West Ham’s situation
West Ham’s interest in Engels comes as the club navigates the transfer market following their relegation. The club has generated approximately £150m from player sales since their move to the Championship. Notable sales include Fernandes to Spurs and Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville to Saudi club Al-Hilal.
Despite these significant funds, West Ham has completed only one signing this summer. They activated a £1m option to make Venezuelan winger Keiber Lamadrid’s loan move from Deportivo La Guaira permanent. While West Ham has an interest in Engels, talks are not yet considered advanced.
Engels’ career began in Club Brugge’s youth academy before his move to Augsburg. He made his senior Belgium debut in September 2024 during a 3-1 victory over Israel in the UEFA Nations League. He has earned four caps for his country, with his last call-up occurring in November 2024.
Last season, Engels made 46 appearances across all competitions for Celtic, contributing seven goals and eight assists as Martin O’Neill’s team secured the Scottish Premiership title on the final day after a decisive match against Hearts.
Source: celticquicknews.co.uk