'I'm led to believe' - Journalist reveals how Celtic really feel about £22m Arne Engels to West Ham deal | OneFootball

Arne Engels is set to move to West Ham United for £22 million and an update has emerged about how the Celtic hierarchy feel about that...

West Ham United are in pursuit of Celtic's Arne Engels in the final few weeks of the window, with an update emerging on the midfielder's future.

Interest from West Ham United in Arne Engels emerged in June, with the Belgian midfielder having scored 17 and assisted 22 in 100 appearances for the Scottish giants since his move from FC Augsburg in 2024.

The Hammers have reached the stage of the summer where significant arrivals are becoming just as important as the departures they have already sanctioned. It's since been reported that West Ham are leading the race for Engels over Premier League sides.

Update emerges on West Ham's pursuit of Arne Engels as Celtic eye replacements

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Manor Solomon has arrived ahead of the start of the Championship campaign, but West Ham have not yet spent much of the cash for Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville. However, further developments have since emerged in their pursuit of Celtic's 22-year-old star.

Celtic have already begun eyeing replacements for Engels, which potentially highlights a deal edging closer for the player. Anthony Joseph of Sky Sports reports on X that Hadjuk Split’s Niko Sigur and Torino’s Gvidas Gineitis are prime targets to replace Engels in his position.

Sky Sports have revealed further information regarding the Engels deal, with it stated that Celtic have been trying to hold out for another £25 million bid following Nottingham Forest's attempt in January. However, it's claimed West Ham weren’t prepared to go there.

The Scottish champions knocked back two initial bids from the Hammers last month. However, now, with two years left on his contract and the player pushing for the move, it's reported this was potentially the last chance to command a fee in excess of £20 million.

Joseph adds that the Celtic hierarchy see the deal as good business but that it’s perhaps a surprise that he is headed for the English Championship. That said, Celtic don’t get to decide who stumps up the cash at the asking price.

Arne Engels' career stats as West Ham close in on transfer

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West Ham are about to break the English Championship’s transfer record set by Ipswich Town for Sindre Walle Egeli last summer with this signing, so it highlights the intent the Hammers have to get straight back up to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Engels' versatility should benefit West Ham under Nuno Espirito Santo, while his goalscoring exploits since moving to Scotland should also excite supporters ahead of a promotion push.

The output as either a defensive midfielder or attacking midfielder is impressive, albeit the transition to Championship football from the top flight in Scotland could be one which takes some time. Engels can also operate as a wing-back or full-back in an emergency, too.

Why West Ham supporters should be a little skeptical about Arne Engels

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It's fair to say Engels has dominated at Celtic, but there is a legitimate question over whether a record-breaking Championship fee makes sense for West Ham. The Belgian has shown his quality in Scotland, including goals, creativity, and versatility, but the English second tier looks particularly unforgiving in 2026/27.

With several clubs possessing Premier League-level squads and ambitions, it is not a given that spending a huge portion of the budget on a midfielder of his profile works out. At around £22 million, this is a huge investment for a player who has never experienced the Championship, even if his age and technical quality provide plenty of upside.

The concern is not that Engels lacks ability, but whether he can immediately dominate a division that will demand considerably more physically and tactically than Scottish football. That said, West Ham need midfielders and Engels is unlikely to be the last they acquire.

On paper, he should be able to dominate games alongside the attacking quality of Jarrod Bowen, Taty Castellanos, and Solomon. That is the primary aspect to focus on regarding this deal, with West Ham only adding to their firepower ahead of a long 46-game slog.