Engels Transfer Saga Intensifies
West Ham Pushes for Arne Engels as Celtic Demands £25 Million After Agreed Personal Terms
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Key Points
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West Ham have funded their renewed pursuit of Engels through big-money sales, with Mateus Fernandes sold for around £85m and Crysencio Summerville for about £55m, and Freddie Potts expected to join Club Brugge, freeing funds for a potential bid.
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Engels is reported to have given the green light to a move to West Ham, with personal terms/framework of a contract already agreed, though fee talks remain ongoing.
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Engels was Celtic’s record signing in 2024 and delivered a productive 2024/25, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists, with former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers praising him as a player with real quality.
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Celtic are believed to be valuing Engels at around £25m and have not remotely been close to accepting West Ham’s offer, with Nottingham Forest previously making a £25m bid in February and Celtic even rejecting an opening approach from West Ham.
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Celtic are already being linked with Milan Vitalis as a contingency replacement should Engels depart, highlighting the club’s readiness to pivot if the move proceeds.
West Ham United have agreed personal terms with Celtic midfielder Arne Engels as the relegated club pushes to rebuild for a Championship promotion bid, according to Football Insider. Celtic are holding firm on a £25 million asking price, and have already rejected West Ham's opening offer.
Engels, 23, scored seven goals and provided eight assists for Celtic in 2024/25. He was Celtic's record signing when he arrived in 2024, and his strong form has drawn serious interest from multiple clubs. Nottingham Forest made a £25 million bid for him in February before West Ham entered the race.
Celtic Manager Tells West Ham to Pay Up
Celtic boss Martin O'Neill sent a blunt message to West Ham. He told the club to raise their offer if they want Engels. Football League World reported that O'Neill made clear Celtic will not sell cheaply, pointing to the club's stronger financial footing compared to the relegated Hammers.
Celtic have not come close to accepting West Ham's bid so far. O'Neill's stance signals that the gap between what West Ham have offered and Celtic's £25 million valuation remains wide. Talks are ongoing, but no deal is near.
Big Sales Give West Ham Cash to Chase Engels
West Ham have been busy selling players to fund new signings. Mateus Fernandes went for around £85 million. Crysencio Summerville sold for about £55 million. Freddie Potts is expected to join Club Brugge. Those deals have freed up serious money for recruitment chief Nils Koppen to work with.
The Hammers are building a squad aimed at bouncing straight back to the Premier League. Engels fits that plan. Hammers News cited Celtic reporter Paddy Sinat, who called Engels a perfect West Ham signing due to his "world-class" ability from set-piece situations.
Engels Has Agreed to Move, Personal Terms Done
Engels has given the green light to a West Ham move. Football Fan Cast reported that the framework of a personal contract has already been agreed between the player and the club. The only thing standing between Engels and a move to London is a fee deal with Celtic.
Former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has praised Engels as a player with "real quality." His 15 direct goal contributions last season back that up. West Ham see him as a ready-made midfield engine for the Championship grind ahead.
Celtic Eye Replacement as Contingency Plan Takes Shape
Celtic are not waiting around. The club are already linked with 24-year-old Hungarian midfielder Milan Vitalis as a potential replacement for Engels. Vitalis has been impressing at Gyori ETO, according to Football Insider. His inclusion on Celtic's radar shows the club is ready to move fast if Engels leaves.
The situation remains fluid heading into the final stretch of the summer window. Celtic hold the leverage. They don't need to sell, and O'Neill has made that clear. West Ham must decide whether to meet the £25 million asking price or risk missing out entirely.
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