Celtic star 'planned' to leave this summer amid Nottingham Forest chatter as he's 'one to watch' in window
The midfielder was the subject of an eight-figure bid from the Reds in the January transfer window
Celtic star Arne Engels stayed put in the winter despite interest from Nottingham Forest - but reportedly the Premier League side and others are still after him.
The Hoops rejected £25m bid for the 22-year old on Deadline Day from Forest in what was a surprising move. The Belgian signed for a club record fee of £11m from Bundesliga side Augsburg in August 2024 to replace midfielder Matt O’Riley when he left for Brighton and Hove Albion. Had the Forest bid been accepted, Celtic’s most expensive import would’ve joined O’Riley as their most expensive export.
While the potential has always been there with Engels, who’s now nearing 100 appearances for the club, some argue that he’s been unable to meet the expectations of his price tag thus far. However, as he’s helped the team win their last three since coming back from a thigh injury, Engels could play a massive role in the next three as Celtic make a late charge for the title. They currently sit three points behind league leaders Hearts in the standings.
Engels interest continues amid Forest chatter
Other than Forest, the Belgian is also reportedly on the radar of club’s across Europe’s top five leagues. According to Belgian transfer journalist Florian Plettenberg: “Arne Engels is still one to watch for the summer transfer window. A departure from Celtic is planned. The 22 y/o remains on RB Leipzig’s list. RB are closely monitoring him. There are also clubs from the Premier League, Serie A and La Liga keen.”
Ahead of another window where Celtic may struggle to hold onto their midfielder, the continued interest perhaps justifies the club’s call to hold onto him in January. To add to this, if the late bid had been accepted, then it would’ve left the Hoops light on options in the centre of the park for the remainder of the current campaign.
O’Neill on why Engels bid was rejected
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill admitted he had no part to play in the rejected Forest bid - but was happy with the club’s decision. When fit, Engels has been a mainstay in the veteran boss’ starting XI. After the bid, O’Neill said: “For here that is an awful lot of money, I personally am delighted the board turned it down.
“It was really tempting. It has come at a very late stage I must admit. So great credit to them. He [Engels] didn’t kick up a fuss about it either even though it has come in late. It is tempting. It is really good money for here. They didn’t take the bait so naturally I am really pleased. We’ll re-look at things in the summertime.”
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