Will Celtic Reject Forest's £17M Bid for Engels?

Celtic midfielder Arne Engels has made headlines this season, scoring five goals and attracting significant interest from Nottingham Forest, who recently had two bids rejected for the 22-year-old Belgian. The latest offer of £17 million follows an initial bid of £14 million, both of which Celtic turned down. Having joined Celtic for £11 million from Augsburg in August 2024, Engels has been instrumental in their success, contributing to their triumph in the Scottish Premiership and League Cup last season.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As of now, Nottingham Forest's efforts to acquire Arne Engels have been unsuccessful, with Celtic firmly rejecting their latest bid. Interim manager Martin O'Neill expressed his surprise at the bids, indicating a strong desire to retain the midfielder unless an astronomical offer were to be made. With both clubs competing in the Europa League play-offs this month, the situation surrounding Engels remains a focal point for fans and analysts alike.

Key takeaways

Nottingham Forest has had two bids for Arne Engels rejected, the highest at £17 million.
Engels joined Celtic for £11 million in August 2024 from Augsburg.
He has scored five goals this season and played a crucial role in last season's success.

Timeline: how we got here

The timeline of events regarding Arne Engels and his situation at Celtic is as follows:

August 2024: Arne Engels joins Celtic from Augsburg for £11 million.
2023 Season: Engels scores five goals and helps Celtic win the Scottish Premiership and League Cup.
September 2023: Nottingham Forest submits an initial bid of £14 million for Engels.
Early October 2023: Forest's second bid of £17 million is also rejected by Celtic, with O'Neill confirming the club's stance.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest development involves the rejection of Nottingham Forest's second bid for Arne Engels. O'Neill's comments suggest that the club values Engels highly and intends to keep him amidst transfer speculation.

What was already established

Prior to these bids, it was known that Engels had joined Celtic and had become a key player for the team. His contributions to the squad have helped secure titles, and his scoring form has made him an attractive target for clubs like Nottingham Forest.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For fans of Celtic and Nottingham Forest, the ongoing transfer saga adds intrigue to the football season. The retention of a player like Engels could positively impact Celtic's performance in the league and European competitions, ultimately enhancing the experience for supporters.

Businesses and jobs

The transfer activity surrounding players like Engels can influence various aspects of the football business, including merchandising, ticket sales, and overall club revenue. Both clubs could see financial implications based on player retention or acquisition.

Policy and regulation

Transfer regulations and financial fair play rules remain crucial in the backdrop of this situation. Clubs must navigate these rules carefully while engaging in transfer negotiations, impacting their strategies in the market.

Numbers that matter

£17 million: Nottingham Forest's latest bid for Arne Engels, which was rejected.
£11 million: The fee Celtic paid for Engels when he joined from Augsburg.
89: The number of appearances Engels has made for Celtic across all competitions.
5: The number of goals scored by Engels this season, highlighting his offensive contribution.
2: The number of titles won by Celtic last season, in which Engels played a significant role.

Definitions and jargon buster

Premiership: The top tier of professional football in Scotland.
Europa League: A prestigious European football competition for clubs that do not qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
Transfer bid: An offer made by one club to another to purchase a player.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, fans should watch for any further developments regarding transfer bids and negotiations as the transfer window remains open. Celtic's performance in the upcoming fixtures may also influence the situation.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, the focus will likely shift to how Engels continues to perform on the pitch and the potential for further interest from other clubs. Celtic's strategy in the transfer market may also evolve depending on their league standing and performance in Europe.

Signals to watch

Further transfer bids from Nottingham Forest or other clubs for Engels.
Celtic's performance in the league and Europa League play-offs.
Official statements from Celtic regarding player retention or new signings.

Practical guidance

Do

Keep an eye on transfer news as the window approaches its deadline.
Follow Celtic's matches to gauge Engels' performance and impact on the team.
Engage with club announcements for the latest updates on signings and transfers.

Don’t

Assume that all transfer bids will be accepted; clubs often reject offers for key players.
Overlook the importance of player performance in influencing future bids.
Dismiss the financial implications of transfer dealings on the clubs involved.

Checklist

Stay updated with reliable sports news sources for transfer updates.
Monitor social media for real-time announcements from clubs.
Evaluate the impact of potential signings on your favourite team's performance.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Nottingham Forest's interest in Arne Engels is evident, the likelihood of future bids and their acceptance remains uncertain. The dynamics of player transfers can change rapidly, influenced by performances, injuries, or shifts in club strategy. Additionally, O'Neill's commitment to keeping Engels could be tested if a significantly larger offer were to surface.

Bottom line

The ongoing transfer interest in Arne Engels highlights both his value to Celtic and the competitive nature of the football market. For Celtic, retaining a player of Engels' calibre is crucial for their ambitions this season. As the transfer window progresses, fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how this situation unfolds.

FAQs

What clubs are interested in Arne Engels?

Currently, Nottingham Forest has expressed interest in Arne Engels, submitting two bids that Celtic has rejected.

How much did Celtic pay for Arne Engels?

Celtic acquired Arne Engels from Augsburg for £11 million in August 2024.

What has been Engels' contribution to Celtic this season?

Arne Engels has scored five goals for Celtic this season and has been a key player in their success, contributing to their title wins last year.