Martin O'Neill, the manager of Celtic, admitted that he feels a genuine sense of disappointment as Arne Engels prepares to depart for West Ham United, yet he also recognises that the move represents an opportunity that is difficult for the Belgian international to refuse. The situation unfolded after Celtic turned down a £25 million offer from Nottingham Forest during the winter transfer window, a bid that Engels himself seemed eager to reject in favour of a chance to play in England.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Celtic's Scottish League Cup second‑round clash with Dundee United, O'Neill explained the circumstances surrounding the transfer. "West Ham wanted him to be ready for the opening day of the season," the 74‑year‑old manager said, adding that he was "naturally disappointed" to see a player who had contributed so positively to the squad leave.
He continued, "It's hard to persuade him otherwise. If the situation hadn't arisen, I think he would have been perfectly happy staying with us. Even though Nottingham Forest came in with a late offer in January, he never complained about it." O'Neill stressed that the allure of playing in the Premier League was a compelling factor for Engels. "It's an opportunity for him and it's really hard for him to turn it down," the manager concluded, underscoring the player's ambition to test himself at a higher level.
The timing of the transfer is particularly noteworthy because it arrives just before Celtic's crucial Champions League play‑off first leg against LASK, scheduled for next Wednesday. O'Neill acknowledged that the departure would leave a gap in the squad, especially after a recent injury to left‑back Alistair Johnston, who suffered a leg‑muscle strain during a match that also attracted interest from Everton. "Ideally, I'd love him to have stayed and maybe completed the move after the two games," O'Neill said, noting that he had recently returned to full duties after undergoing a medical procedure. He reflected on the broader context of the transfer market, explaining that the club had to weigh the risk of losing a player who might be sidelined by injury against the desire to keep the squad intact.
"You have a concern when a player is injured and there's an offer on the table," O'Neill observed. "Arne was probably worried the same thing could happen to him.
From a playing perspective, I can understand that." Johnston, the Canadian right‑back, was forced off at half‑time in Celtic's dominant 5‑1 victory over Kilmarnock on Sunday. O'Neill confirmed that the defender will be unavailable for several weeks, and that his recovery will likely extend beyond the transfer deadline, meaning he will miss any chance of a move abroad. "He's been very stoic about it," O'Neill added, describing the situation as a short‑term setback rather than a long‑term problem.
"He'll get over it and be back in the squad." In response to the departures and injuries, Celtic have been active in the transfer market. This week the club secured Egyptian winger Haissem Hassan and German under‑21 midfielder Mika Baur, signaling a commitment to refresh the squad with young talent.
O'Neill hinted that further signings could be on the horizon, mentioning the possibility of bringing in Chelsea's left‑back Landon Emmenalo on loan as a backup for Kieran Tierney. Tierney, the 18‑year‑old who spent last season at Arsenal, has struggled with injuries but returned to form and impressed during his limited appearances. "I think he's a really fine young player," O'Neill said of Emmenalo.
"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. And this young man definitely has talent. He's got a minor injury at the moment, but we hope that clears up soon.
If it does, and I think it will, I'd love to have him." The manager's comments reflect a pragmatic approach: while the loss of Engels is a disappointment, the club is prepared to adapt by integrating new arrivals and promoting existing talent. O'Neill's willingness to accept the realities of modern football—where players often seek moves to larger leagues—demonstrates his understanding of both the business and emotional sides of the game. Overall, the departure of Arne Engels underscores the challenges Celtic faces in retaining top talent amid interest from clubs in the English Premier League.
Yet, with strategic signings like Hassan, Baur, and potentially Emmenalo, alongside the resilience of players such as Johnston and Tierney, O'Neill remains confident that the team will navigate this transitional period successfully and continue to compete on both domestic and European fronts.