Celtic boss Martin O'Neill admitted that he feels a genuine sense of disappointment at the impending loss of Belgian midfielder Arne Engels to West Ham United, yet he also recognised that the move represents a compelling opportunity for the player that would be difficult for anyone to refuse. In the weeks leading up to Celtic's Scottish League Cup second‑round clash with Dundee United, O'Neill addressed the media and explained the circumstances surrounding the transfer, the timing of the offer and the broader context of the squad's recent injury challenges.
During the pre‑match press conference, O'Neill reflected on how West Ham had specifically requested that Engels be registered in time for the opening day of the Premier League season. "Naturally I'm disappointed, really, that he's leaving the club," the 74‑year‑old manager said, emphasizing how much Engels had contributed during his tenure at Celtic. "He's done very well for us, and it's hard to persuade him to stay when an attractive proposition comes along." He went on to note that Celtic had previously turned down a £25 million bid from Nottingham Forest in the January window, a sum that the club deemed insufficient for a player of Engels' calibre. Despite that rejection, Engels remained professional and never publicly complained about the interest.
"Even though the Forest offer arrived very late in January, he never moaned about it at all," O'Neill recalled, highlighting the player's mature attitude throughout the transfer saga. The manager described the West Ham proposition as an "opportunity for him and it's really hard for him to turn down." He added that, had the Forest bid materialised earlier, Engels might have been content to remain at Celtic, but the timing and the allure of playing in the English Premier League ultimately tipped the balance. "If it hadn't come up, I think he'd have been happy," O'Neill said, underscoring the delicate nature of transfer negotiations where player ambition, club finances and timing intersect. Engels' departure is set to occur just days before Celtic's crucial Champions League play‑off first leg against Austrian side LASK, scheduled for the following Wednesday.
O'Neill expressed an ideal scenario in which Engels could have stayed for the two decisive matches before making the move, but he recognised that the logistical realities made that impossible. "Ideally, I'd love him to have stayed and maybe completed after the two games," the manager explained, noting that he had only just returned to full duties after undergoing a minor medical procedure the previous week. The timing of the transfer also coincided with a spate of injuries within the Celtic squad, most notably a leg‑muscle strain suffered by right‑back Alistair Johnston.
O'Neill pointed out that the club had been juggling concerns about Johnston's fitness and the potential impact on the transfer market. "You've got a concern, I suppose, with the fact that Alistair played for us when there was an offer on the table, hurt himself, maybe things like that may disappear," O'Neill said, suggesting that both clubs and players weigh the risk of injury against the certainty of a move. Johnston, who had been a key figure on the right flank, was forced off at half‑time during Celtic's 5‑1 demolition of Kilmarnock on Sunday. O'Neill confirmed that the defender would be sidelined for several weeks, meaning he would miss the transfer deadline and be unable to join any new club until the window closed.
"He's been very stoic about it, really," O'Neill added, praising Johnston's professionalism despite the setback. "It's a shame for him but it's not long‑term. He'll get over it and be back." In the meantime, Celtic have been active in the transfer market, securing the signatures of Egyptian winger Haissem Hassan and German Under‑21 midfielder Mika Baur earlier in the week. O'Neill hinted that further additions are on the horizon, with particular attention being paid to the left‑back position.
He mentioned a possible loan deal involving Chelsea's young left‑back Landon Emmenalo, who recently toured Celtic's Lennoxtown training complex. "I think he's a really fine young player," O'Neill said.
"Obviously we need that position covered. Kieran did exceptionally well last season, having been plagued with injuries at Arsenal. He came roaring back, which was great." The manager praised Emmenalo's talent, acknowledging that the teenager was currently dealing with a minor injury but expressing optimism that it would resolve quickly.
"If it does, and I think it will, I'd love to have him," O'Neill concluded, indicating that Celtic are keen to bolster squad depth ahead of the demanding fixtures that lie ahead, including domestic cup ties, league matches and the upcoming European play‑off. Overall, O'Neill's comments painted a picture of a club balancing ambition with realism: while disappointed to lose a player of Engels' quality, the manager understood the player's desire to test himself in England and recognised the necessity of planning for the future through strategic signings and youth development.
The situation also highlighted the broader challenges Celtic face in maintaining a competitive squad amid injuries, transfer interest from larger leagues and the ever‑present pressure to perform on the continental stage.