Arne Engels delivers an outstanding performance for Celtic on his 100th appearance | OneFootball

Ton up for Arne Engels, but it’s inevitable that he will leave in this window. He’ll be a massive loss to Martin O’Neill’s team and it is imperative that a quality replacement is signed should Arne’s move go through later this month…

9th August 2026; Rugby Park, Scottish Premiership, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Arne Engels of Celtic reacts to Greg Kiltie of Kilmarnock. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou

Congratulations to Arne Engels who made his 100th appearance for Celtic in yesterday’s 5-1 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

The Belgian who is subject of serious interest from both West Ham United and Nottingham Forest, had a superb game to celebrate his personal landmark, brilliantly assisting Kasper Hogh for the opener, whilst having a superb game overall.

Arne, like the rest of his teammates, was below par in Monday’s Scottish Premiership opener against Dundee at Celtic Park, but made up for that against Kilmarnock with an impressive display in the thumping of Neil McCann’s side.

9th August 2026; Rugby Park, Scottish Premiership, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Arne Engels of Celtic. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou

West Ham and Nottingham Forest among clubs chasing Engels’ signature

The Belgian international was courted by EPL side Nottingham Forest in the January transfer window, with the club not being budged despite multiple bids from The City Ground negotiators for the midfielder, with a mammoth £25 million offer said to have been turfed out by the Celtic hierarchy.

Arne cost a then club record when Brendan Rodgers somehow persuaded the Celtic Park moneymen to splash out £11 million back in the summer of 2024 to sign the then 20 year old from Bundesliga side Augsburg, a sum that’s only recently been broken by the signing of Kasper Hogh.

Despite having critics amongst the supporters, especially those with a curious anti-Brendan agenda, Arne has been a valuable performer during his two years at the club.

9th August 2026; Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, Scottish Premiership, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Arne Engels of Celtic plays the ball away from Aaron Tshibola of Kilmarnock. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou

Arne Engels a stand-out performer for Celtic on his 100th appearance

For one so young, The Belgian midfielder has shown great maturity in the middle of the park, and has become a vital cog in the side, playing alongside Callum McGregor.

In his 100 appearances in the hoops, Arne has scored 17 goals and registered 22 assists, which is an impressive record any midfielder would be proud to boast.

Critics will argue that a big percentage of his goals have arrived via the penalty spot, but he’s shown that he has great maturity and confidence to do so, with his pressure cooker effort against Hearts on last season’s title shootout a prime example of his qualities when it comes to taking responsibility.

Engels and Johnston helped shift the title momentum in Celtic’s favour

The biggest compliment I can pay Arne, is that he’s a player you won’t miss until he’s gone, as was evident during his spell out injured last season. His return, alongside Alistair Johnston’s, clearly helped shift the title momentum Celtic’s way.

When he does inevitably leave, we will all realise just how big a miss he’ll be and it will be a difficult job to replace him. Celtic should be in no rush to conclude any deals before the Champions League play-off ties against LASK have been negotiated.

Celtic’s chances will clearly be better with Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels in the team and they must remain at Celtic until our European fate is decided.

9th August 2026; Rugby Park, Scottish Premiership Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Alistair Johnston of Celtic on the ball. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou

Arne Engels could well be the difference maker against LASK

Arne Engels could well be the difference maker in those matches and he has to be in the Celtic team, alongside Alistair Johnston who curiously was substituted at half-time yesterday. Was that a precaution as he apparently ‘felt something’ or transfer related we shall have to wait and see.

9th August 2026; Rugby Park, Scottish Premiership Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Alistair Johnston of Celtic. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou

Johnston at right back against the Austrian Champions is clearly a better option than the two alternatives that would be available to Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney. The Celtic Board cannot weaken our team ahead of these matches.

Incidentally talking about the Celtic Board, they met with the Affiliation of Registered Celtic Supporters Clubs last week and yesterday on Celtic Shorts we published the notes from that meeting which you can read HERE.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

HAVE YOUR SAY – Join the Celtic conversation in our comments section below…

Celtic Shorts is the new home for the team from The Celtic Star

Summer Sale now on! Both books for just £20 plus P&P. Order now at Celticstarbooks.com

Quick Tip – Add Celticshorts.com as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you’ll notice the difference straight away! – Click HERE….Hail Hail!

Click to join Celtic Pools