Celtic have agreed a club-record transfer fee for Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels. The Hoops will pay £11m for the 20-year-old after their first three bids were rejected by the Bundesliga club. This move comes just days after Celtic sold Matt O'Riley to Brighton for a record fee, giving them a large sum of money to spend in the transfer window.
Engels has agreed to a four-year deal with the club and is due to arrive in Glasgow on Friday to undergo a medical, while paperwork to finalise the move will also be signed. Sky in Germany are reporting that Augsburg have inserted a 20 per cent sell-on clause into the deal.
Engels, who scored three goals and had two assists in 33 appearances last season, is viewed as a replacement for Matt O'Riley following his move to Brighton. Celtic's previous transfer record was £9m for Odsonne Edouard, with the deal for bringing Adam Idah back to Parkhead only set to beat Engels' fee if add-ons are activated. He will be the fourth new player to join Celtic this season alongside Kasper Schmeichel, Viljami Sinisalo and Alex Valle, while Idah and Paulo Bernardo both completed permanent moves after loan spells last term.
Why Celtic Are Signing Arne Engels
The signing of Arne Engels signals Celtic's intention to strengthen their squad after a successful season where they won the Scottish Premiership title. Brendan Rodgers, Celtic's manager, was keen to bring in a replacement for Matt O'Riley, who was a key player for the Hoops last season. Engels is seen as a player with the potential to be a key part of Celtic's midfield for years to come.
Engels is a highly-rated young midfielder who has already proven himself at a high level in the Bundesliga. He is a versatile player who can play in a number of positions in midfield. He is also known for his strong work rate and his ability to get forward and score goals. At just 20 years old, Engels has already shown the potential to be a top-class midfielder, and Celtic fans will be excited to see what he can do in the Scottish Premiership.
What Does the Move Mean for Celtic?
The signing of Arne Engels is a significant statement of intent from Celtic. It shows that the club are serious about competing on all fronts next season, including in the Champions League. The club have been busy in the transfer window, bringing in a number of new players, and Engels is another exciting addition to their squad. The move also shows that Celtic are willing to spend money on players who they believe can make a difference, despite the loss of O'Riley, who had been a key player for the team.
What Does the Move Mean for Engels?
For Engels, the move to Celtic represents a big step forward in his career. He is moving to a club with a huge history and a passionate fanbase, and he will be given the opportunity to play in the Champions League. He will also be joining a team that is playing an exciting and attacking brand of football, which is likely to suit his style of play. The move to Celtic could be the making of Engels, and it will be interesting to see how he performs in the coming seasons.
The Future of Celtic
Celtic are now a team that is in the midst of a rebuild. The signing of Arne Engels is just one part of that rebuild. The club have a clear vision for the future, and they are committed to building a squad that can compete for major trophies. With a new manager in Brendan Rodgers, Celtic fans can be excited about the future. The club have the potential to be a force in Scottish and European football for years to come.
The future of Celtic is bright. The club has a strong squad, a good manager, and a passionate fanbase. The signing of Arne Engels is just the latest step in Celtic's journey back to the top of the game. With a strong summer transfer window, Celtic are ready to challenge for major trophies in the 2024-2025 season. The Hoops will be looking to continue their success in the Scottish Premiership and make a strong run in the Champions League. Engels' arrival has certainly added to the excitement amongst Celtic fans.
