Engels set for West Ham as Celtic lose key midfielder
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- Arne Engels is undergoing a medical to complete a transfer to West Ham United, confirmed by Celtic manager Martin O'Neill, who said he is "naturally disappointed" to lose the Belgium midfielder.
- Celtic rejected a multi-million pound offer from Nottingham Forest for the 22-year-old in the winter transfer window; West Ham's approach came late but forced a quick resolution because the Hammers wanted him available for the season opener.
- Martin O'Neill had hoped to retain Engels through Celtic's Champions League play-off first leg against LASK next Wednesday, but acknowledged it "probably wasn't going to happen," citing a fear that an injury could kill the deal.
- Alistair Johnston suffered a leg muscle injury during Celtic's 5-1 win at Kilmarnock on Sunday and will be out for a few weeks, past the transfer deadline — O'Neill cited the Canada right-back's case as a cautionary example that may have motivated Engels to push for an immediate move.
- Celtic signed Egypt winger Haissem Hassan and Germany Under-21 midfielder Mika Baur this week, with O'Neill confirming further arrivals are expected.
- Landon Emenalo, an 18-year-old Chelsea left-back, was given a tour of Celtic's Lennoxtown training centre this week as O'Neill seeks loan cover for Kieran Tierney.
Why it matters: Celtic lose a 22-year-old they valued highly enough to reject a multi-million pound Forest bid in January, weakening their squad ahead of a Champions League play-off against LASK on Wednesday. The deal reflects West Ham's urgency to add Premier League-ready talent for the opening day, but it leaves Celtic relying on new signings Hassan, Baur, and potentially Emenalo to fill the gap mid-campaign.
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