Celtic boss Martin O'Neill admitted he feels a genuine sense of disappointment at the impending loss of Belgian midfielder Arne Engels to West Ham United, yet he recognises that the move represents an opportunity that is difficult for the player to refuse. The Hoops had previously turned down a £25 million proposal from Nottingham Forest during the January transfer window, but Engels remained eager to test himself in English football, prompting the eventual switch. During a pre‑match press conference ahead of Celtic's Scottish League Cup second‑round clash with Dundee United, O'Neill elaborated on the situation. "West Ham wanted him to be ready for the first day of the season," the 74‑year‑old manager said, "and I’m naturally disappointed that he’s leaving us – he’s performed admirably for Celtic." He added that persuading Engels to stay would have been a tough sell.
"If the offer hadn’t surfaced, I think he would have been content here. Even though Forest’s bid arrived late in January, he never complained about it," O'Neill explained.
"It’s a chance for him, and it would be extremely hard for him to turn it down." Engels’ transfer is set to be finalised before Celtic’s Champions League play‑off first leg against LASK next Wednesday. O'Neill said he understands why the Belgian is keen to seal the deal, especially after a recent injury to fellow midfielder Alistair Johnston and growing interest in Johnston from Everton.
"Ideally I would have loved him to stay and maybe complete the move after the two games," O'Neill remarked, noting his recent return to full duties after undergoing a medical procedure. He also highlighted the timing concerns surrounding Johnston’s injury. "You have a worry when a player gets hurt after an offer is on the table – it can change the dynamics.
I suspect Arne was thinking the same thing, from a playing‑time perspective," O'Neill said, empathising with the midfielder’s desire for stability. Johnston, the Canadian right‑back, was forced off at half‑time in Celtic’s 5‑1 victory over Kilmarnock on Sunday.
"He’ll be out for a few weeks," O'Neill confirmed. "By the time he recovers, the transfer window will have closed. He’s taken it very stoically.
It’s unfortunate for him, but it’s not a long‑term issue – he’ll bounce back and be ready again." In the meantime, Celtic have been active in the market, securing Egyptian winger Haissem Hassan and German Under‑21 midfielder Mika Baur earlier this week. O'Neill hinted that more signings are on the horizon, pointing to a possible loan acquisition of Chelsea left‑back Landon Emenalo as cover for Kieran Tierney. Emenalo recently toured Celtic’s Lennoxtown training complex, giving the club a chance to assess his fit. "He’s a very promising youngster," O'Neill said of Emenalo.
"We need depth in that position. Kieran did a fantastic job last season after battling injuries at Arsenal, and his resurgence was encouraging. This young man has clear talent, though he’s currently nursing a minor injury.
We hope it heals quickly, and if it does – which I expect – I would love to have him on board." O'Neill’s comments reflect a broader strategy of balancing immediate squad needs with long‑term development. While losing Engels is a blow, the manager emphasised that the club’s recruitment pipeline remains robust, and that the team will adapt to the challenges ahead, including the upcoming European fixtures and domestic cup commitments. The manager also touched on the financial aspects of the transfer market, noting that rejecting Forest’s £25 million offer earlier in the season demonstrated Celtic’s ambition to retain key talent when possible. However, the allure of playing in the Premier League, combined with West Ham’s willingness to secure Engels promptly, ultimately tipped the scales.
Looking ahead, O'Neill expressed optimism about the squad’s resilience. "We have a great group of players who understand the club’s ethos.
Even when we lose a player of Arne’s quality, we trust that the rest will step up, and the new signings will add fresh dimensions to our play." Fans can continue to follow Celtic’s progress through various broadcasting options, including live coverage of the Scottish Premiership on Sky Sports and streaming services like NOW. The club also encourages supporters to engage with interactive promotions, such as the Super 6 competition, which offers a chance to win a £1 million prize. In summary, while Martin O'Neill feels a natural sense of loss at Engels’ departure, he recognises the professional ambition driving the move and remains confident in Celtic’s ability to navigate the transition, bolstered by recent signings and potential loan deals that will keep the squad competitive on all fronts.