Arne Engels Faces Uncertain Future as He Seeks Exit from Celtic
Belgian midfielder Arne Engels, who joined Celtic in 2024 from Augsburg, is reportedly keen to leave the Scottish club amid growing interest from English Premier League sides. The 22-year-old has established himself as a key player in Celtic’s midfield but is now eager to test himself at a higher level, sparking a transfer saga.
In the January 2026 transfer window, Nottingham Forest emerged as the frontrunner for Engels’ signature. The English club made multiple bids to secure the player’s services, starting with an initial £14 million offer, which Celtic promptly rejected. Forest returned with an improved £17.3 million bid, only for it to be declined as well. Undaunted, Nottingham Forest submitted a final offer of £25 million, structured as £20 million upfront with an additional £5 million in potential add-ons. Despite the lucrative proposal, Celtic’s management, under interim boss Martin O’Neill, stood firm, valuing Engels as an essential part of their squad and unwilling to let him go mid-season.
However, reports from inside the club suggest that Engels is unhappy with Celtic’s refusal to sanction his move to the Premier League, creating tension between the player and the club. The midfielder is said to be keen on advancing his career in one of Europe’s top leagues, feeling that a move to England would better suit his ambitions and development. AC Milan is also interested in the Belgian midfielder and Engles has indicated he would like that move.
Beyond Nottingham Forest, other clubs in the Premier League have been linked with interest in Engels, reflecting his rising profile and potential. Celtic, meanwhile, have started exploring possible replacements to prepare for any eventual departure, highlighting the difficult balancing act between respecting a player’s career aspirations and maintaining squad stability.
Engels’ situation underscores a broader challenge for Celtic as they aim to compete domestically and in European competitions while also managing the ambitions of promising players. For now, despite the persistent offers and the player’s desire to leave, Engels remains at Celtic, with both sides navigating a complex scenario that could shape the club’s midfield landscape in the months ahead.
This transfer saga is closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as it raises questions about how Celtic will handle future bids for their top talents and how Engels will respond if his desire to move continues to be blocked.
In conclusion, Arne Engels’ future at Celtic remains uncertain. While the club values his contribution and has so far resisted substantial offers, the midfielder’s eagerness to join the Premier League suggests that a resolution is needed soon. Whether through a transfer or renewed commitment, the next chapter in Engels’ career is poised to be a significant one.
Arne Engles wants to leave Celtic
