West Ham United are currently engaged in negotiations with Celtic over the prospective transfer of Belgian midfielder Arne Engels, with the Scottish club reportedly demanding a fee in the region of £25 million for the 22‑year‑old talent. While several Premier League sides have expressed interest in the player, it is the London club that appears to be the most serious suitor at this stage, given that Engels has only two years left on his contract with Celtic.
The midfielder has attracted attention from a number of top‑flight teams, and his name was linked with a move during the winter transfer window. Nottingham Forest, for instance, submitted multiple bids for Engels on deadline day, all of which were turned down by Celtic. Despite those rejections, the English club has not been able to secure the player, and the focus has now shifted to West Ham, who are believed to be preparing a formal offer that meets the Irish club's valuation. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill addressed the situation in his pre‑match press conference ahead of the team's league opener against Dundee on Monday.
He confirmed that an offer had indeed been lodged for Engels but dismissed it as falling far short of the club's asking price, stating that the proposal did not "remotely meet their valuation." O'Neill's comments suggest that Celtic remain firm on their financial expectations and are unwilling to settle for a figure they consider insufficient for a player of Engels' calibre. The club's chief executive, Michael Nicholson, has also spoken publicly about the challenges Celtic face in the transfer market. Speaking at the club's annual general meeting, Nicholson explained that competing with Championship clubs for targets has become increasingly difficult, as those teams can often match or exceed the financial packages offered by Scottish clubs.
He highlighted that the Hoops' recent activity in the market has been constrained by this competition, and that securing key signings is essential for the squad to remain competitive. During the same meeting, O'Neill reiterated the need for reinforcements, noting that the current squad lacks the depth required to challenge for major honours.
He emphasized that the club must act decisively in the upcoming transfer windows to address those deficiencies. In line with that ambition, Celtic have already completed the signing of striker Kasper Høgh from Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt for a club‑record fee, demonstrating their willingness to invest heavily when the right opportunity arises. West Ham's pursuit of Engels appears to be part of a broader strategy to bolster their midfield options with young, technically gifted players who can develop under the guidance of their coaching staff. Engels, who has already earned several caps for Belgium at youth level, is praised for his vision, passing range, and ability to dictate the tempo of a game.
His two‑year contract situation adds urgency to the negotiations, as Celtic would prefer to receive a substantial fee rather than risk losing him on a free transfer when his deal expires. It remains to be seen whether any other Premier League clubs will enter the fray and challenge West Ham for the midfielder's signature.
While clubs such as Nottingham Forest have shown interest, their recent inability to secure a deal with Celtic suggests that they may need to increase their offer substantially if they wish to be taken seriously. The competition could intensify if West Ham's bid is perceived as insufficient, prompting other top‑flight teams to step in with more attractive financial packages. Meanwhile, Forest's own transfer priorities have shifted slightly. Their primary midfield target, 20‑year‑old Lucas Bergvall, has been the subject of intense negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur.
However, the two clubs have yet to reach an agreement, leaving Forest still in search of a suitable replacement for the departing talent. This situation underscores the fluid nature of the January market, where clubs must balance their immediate needs against long‑term financial considerations. In summary, the race for Arne Engels highlights the complex interplay between Scottish and English clubs in the current transfer landscape.
Celtic's firm stance on a £25 million valuation reflects their desire to capitalize on the player's market value, while West Ham's interest demonstrates their commitment to strengthening the squad with promising young talent. As the deadline approaches, fans of both clubs will be watching closely to see whether a deal can be struck, or if the midfielder will ultimately move elsewhere, perhaps even to a different Premier League side willing to meet Celtic's price tag.
For those following the latest developments, the Sky Sports Transfer Centre app provides live updates and breaking news on all transfer activity. The platform also offers additional features such as headline alerts and exclusive content, ensuring supporters stay informed about the ever‑changing dynamics of the football market.