West Ham United have opened formal discussions with Celtic regarding the potential acquisition of Belgian midfielder Arne Engels, with the Glasgow club reportedly demanding a transfer sum in the region of £25 million. The 22‑year‑old, who has already attracted interest from several Premier League outfits, remains a hot commodity as the winter transfer window draws to a close.
Nottingham Forest, who were also linked with Engels, reportedly turned down a series of bids on the final day of the January market, indicating the level of competition for the player’s signature. However, it is the Championship side West Ham that appears to be the most persistent suitor at present.
Engels is currently under contract with Celtic for another two seasons, giving the Irish club a strong negotiating position. During his pre‑match press conference ahead of Celtic’s opening league fixture against Dundee on Monday, manager Martin O'Neill confirmed that an offer had indeed been tabled for the midfielder. He added that the proposal fell far short of the club’s valuation, stating it did not "remotely meet their valuation" and therefore would not be considered. Celtic’s chief executive Michael Nicholson has previously highlighted the challenges the club faces in the transfer market, noting that they are now contending with bids from Championship teams as well as Premier League clubs for their targets.
Speaking at Celtic’s annual general meeting, Nicholson echoed O'Neill’s concerns that the current squad lacks the depth required to compete on multiple fronts and that significant reinforcements are needed. In response to those concerns, Celtic have already moved to strengthen their attacking options by securing the services of striker Kasper Høgh from Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt for a club‑record fee. This signing demonstrates the club’s willingness to invest heavily, but it also underscores the financial balancing act they must perform when negotiating for a player of Engels’ calibre. The interest in Engels extends beyond West Ham and Forest.
Several other Premier League clubs have been monitoring his progress, attracted by his blend of technical skill, vision, and work rate in midfield. Engels has impressed with his performances for Celtic, showcasing an ability to dictate tempo, break lines with incisive passes, and contribute defensively when required.
These attributes make him a desirable acquisition for teams looking to add a dynamic, box‑to‑box midfielder to their roster. Should West Ham succeed in meeting Celtic’s valuation, the move would represent a significant statement of intent from the club, signalling their ambition to return to the top tier of English football with a squad capable of competing at a higher level. The transfer fee, if agreed upon, would also rank among the most substantial outlays for a Championship side, reflecting the growing financial muscle of clubs outside the Premier League.
Conversely, if Celtic hold firm on their £25 million asking price, the negotiation could stall, potentially opening the door for a Premier League club with deeper pockets to step in. The market dynamics suggest that any club willing to meet or exceed Celtic’s expectations could secure Engels’ services, provided they can navigate the contractual timeline – Engels has two years remaining on his deal, after which he could leave on a free transfer.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest’s primary midfield target remains Swedish youngster Lucas Bergvall. The club’s attempts to reach an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur for the 20‑year‑old have so far been unsuccessful, adding another layer of complexity to Forest’s transfer strategy. Their inability to secure Bergvall may force them to look elsewhere, possibly increasing the competition for players like Engels if West Ham’s bid falters. The broader context of this transfer saga highlights the increasingly competitive nature of the winter market, where clubs across the English football pyramid are forced to balance ambition with fiscal prudence.
Celtic, traditionally a selling club, must weigh the immediate financial gain against the potential impact on their on‑field performance. For West Ham, the acquisition of a player of Engels’ quality could provide the creative spark needed to mount a promotion challenge, but it also requires a substantial financial commitment. Fans of both clubs will be watching developments closely, with speculation likely to continue across social media, sports news outlets, and fan forums. The outcome of these negotiations will not only affect the immediate fortunes of West Ham and Celtic but could also influence future transfer strategies for clubs operating at similar financial levels.
In summary, West Ham are actively pursuing Arne Engels, offering Celtic a substantial sum that the Scottish side deems insufficient at present. The situation remains fluid, with other Premier League and Championship clubs also keeping a close eye on the midfielder’s availability. As the transfer deadline approaches, the next few days will be crucial in determining whether Engels will remain in Glasgow, move to the English second tier, or perhaps even make the leap to the Premier League, depending on who can meet Celtic’s valuation and secure the player’s signature.