Celtic’s Arne Engels looks likely to leave, with Sunderland and Nottingham Forest having stepped forward for him.
The midfielder was key for the Hoops once again during the 2025/26 campaign. He scored five goals in the Scottish Premiership, while also contributing to four goals in the Europa League.
While those numbers aren’t better than what he achieved in the 2024/25 season, the Belgian’s stature has clearly grown.
Already, a host of clubs have been linked with the 22-year-old. It is Sunderland Nottingham Forest who appear most active for the Celtic player.
Fierce competition
Tuttomercatoweb report that even Napoli are competing for Engels. They could lose Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa in the summer and the Belgian can come in as a viable replacement.
The Italian club’s task won’t be easy. The Celtic player has attracted fierce competition, with Sunderland having ‘submitted enquiries’ over a summer deal. Nottingham Forest have done the same.
Celtic’s exact valuation is unknown. But anything over €25m can be enough to seal the deal for either Sunderland or Nottingham Forest.
Exit growing likely
Increasingly, it feels like Engels’ entourage is pushing for his exit. They have recognised that he is ready for a big move, having won the Premiership twice now with the Glasgow club.
This is probably the reason why a host of clubs have been linked with him. As a result, there is a lack of clarity over who could be the favourites for his signature.
Sunderland could have the upper hand because of their qualification for Europe. They seem actively in the hunt for a midfielder and Engels himself boasts European experience.
He is the perfect age to make the jump to England. Even if he takes time to settle, he is young enough to take it slow and ease in as the season goes on.
