Celtic boss Martin O'Neill has admitted that he feels a genuine sense of disappointment at losing Arne Engels to West Ham United, yet he recognises that the move is one the young Belgian international finds hard to refuse. The Hoops had turned down a £25 million offer from Nottingham Forest during the winter window, but Engels remained eager to test himself in English football, and the West Ham proposal ultimately proved irresistible. Speaking at a pre‑match press conference before Celtic's Scottish League Cup second‑round clash with Dundee United, O'Neill explained the situation. "West Ham wanted him to be available for the first day of the season, and that naturally leaves me a little disappointed because he's been such a valuable player for us," the 74‑year‑old manager said.
"He's performed admirably for Celtic and it's difficult to convince him otherwise. If the transfer hadn't materialised, I think he would have been content here. Even when Nottingham Forest came in with a late offer back in January, he never complained about it. "This is a genuine opportunity for him, and it's extremely tough for him to turn it down," O'Neill added, highlighting the player's ambition to compete at a higher level.
Engels' departure comes just before Celtic's Champions League play‑off first leg against Austrian side LASK, scheduled for next Wednesday. O'Neill, however, seemed to understand why the midfielder was eager to finalise the deal, especially after a recent injury to fellow right‑back Alistair Johnston and growing interest from Premier League club Everton. "Ideally I would have liked him to stay and perhaps complete the move after the two games," O'Neill said, noting his own recent return to full duties following a medical procedure.
"But realistically it probably wasn't going to happen. There's a concern that when Alistair was injured while we had an offer on the table, it might have set a precedent. Arne likely worried the same thing could happen to him.
From a playing perspective, I can understand his decision." Johnston, the Canadian right‑back, was forced off at half‑time during Celtic's 5‑1 victory over Kilmarnock on Sunday, suffering a leg‑muscle strain. "He'll be out for a few weeks," O'Neill confirmed.
"By the time he recovers, the transfer window will be closed. He's taken the situation very stoically.
It's a shame for him, but it's not a long‑term problem – he'll bounce back and be ready for the next season." In the meantime, Celtic have been active in the transfer market, securing Egyptian winger Haissem Hassan and German Under‑21 midfielder Mika Baur earlier this week. O'Neill hinted that more signings could be on the horizon, pointing to a potential loan deal for Chelsea's young left‑back Landon Emmenalo as cover for Kieran Tierney. The 18‑year‑old recently toured Celtic's Lennoxtown training complex, impressing the manager.
"He's a very promising youngster," O'Neill remarked. "We certainly need depth in that position.
Kieran had a fantastic season, especially after a difficult spell with injuries at Arsenal, and he returned in great form. This young player also shows real talent, although he is currently dealing with a minor injury. We hope it clears up soon, and if it does – which I expect it will – I would love to bring him in on loan." Overall, O'Neill's comments reflect a blend of disappointment, pragmatism and forward‑looking optimism. While losing a player of Engels' calibre is never easy for any manager, the Celtic boss acknowledges the player's desire to progress and the realities of modern football transfers.
He also emphasised that the squad has depth and that the club is actively seeking reinforcements to mitigate any short‑term gaps caused by injuries or departures. Celtic supporters can look forward to the upcoming League Cup tie against Dundee United and the crucial Champions League play‑off, while also keeping an eye on potential new arrivals who could bolster the squad for the remainder of the season. The club remains committed to competing on all fronts, and O'Neill's measured response suggests that Celtic will continue to adapt and thrive despite the challenges posed by player movement and injuries.