Martin O’Neill ‘Resigned’ to Arne Engels Exit as West Ham Prepare Fresh Celtic Transfer Bid
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill is reportedly preparing for the possibility of losing midfielder Arne Engels this summer, with West Ham United continuing their pursuit of the 22-year-old.
The Hammers have already seen two offers rejected for Engels, but their interest in the Belgian midfielder remains strong. Celtic are understood to be willing to consider his departure for the right price, with O’Neill determined to ensure the club receive a substantial fee that can be reinvested into the squad.
West Ham Ready to Return for Arne Engels
Engels has emerged as one of West Ham’s key targets as the club prepare for life in the Championship following their relegation from the Premier League.
The London club have endured a turbulent summer, with much of the focus surrounding changes behind the scenes and the sale of several players as they look to strengthen their finances.
West Ham have generated significant funds from departures, including Mateus Fernandes’ reported £85 million move to Tottenham Hotspur and Crysencio Summerville’s switch to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal for an initial £55 million, potentially rising by another £5 million in add-ons.
Despite those major sales, the Hammers have been relatively quiet in terms of incoming transfers. Defender Joel Veltman remains their only new arrival after joining on a free transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion.
That situation could soon change, with Engels believed to be high on West Ham’s recruitment list.
The Hammers have already made two attempts to sign the midfielder, with their latest proposal reportedly worth around £20 million being rejected by Celtic.
However, West Ham have no intention of abandoning the pursuit and are expected to return with a third offer. The club have reportedly already agreed personal terms with Engels, giving them confidence that a deal can eventually be completed.
O’Neill’s Position on Engels Revealed
Engels joined Celtic from Augsburg in the summer of 2024 for a reported club-record fee of £11 million and quickly established himself as an important member of the team.
O’Neill recently acknowledged that there was “definitely truth” behind reports linking Engels with West Ham, although he made Celtic’s position clear by insisting that the Hammers’ current offer “doesn’t remotely meet our valuation”.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Engels started Celtic’s 1-0 victory over Dundee in their Scottish Premiership opener on Monday.
However, his long-term future at Parkhead remains unclear.
According to Football Insider, O’Neill is now “resigned” to the possibility of Engels leaving Celtic before the transfer window closes. The Celtic boss is reportedly determined to maximise the midfielder’s value, with any substantial transfer fee expected to be used to strengthen the squad.
Celtic are believed to have rejected offers of up to £25 million for Engels in January, meaning West Ham may need to go beyond that figure if they are serious about securing his signature.
The Hammers, however, are reportedly confident they can get their man.
West Ham Face Competition for Engels
West Ham will need to act decisively if they want to complete a deal for Engels, with Celtic seemingly open to selling provided their valuation is met.
The need for midfield reinforcements has become even more pressing following Fernandes’ departure, but West Ham must balance their desire to sign Engels with the financial demands of the deal.
Waiting too long could allow rival clubs to take advantage.
Nottingham Forest remain interested after reportedly having a £25 million bid rejected for Engels in January, while Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace and Fulham have also been linked with the midfielder.
There is reportedly interest from Germany as well, with Borussia Dortmund among the clubs monitoring the situation.
For West Ham, the message is therefore clear: if Engels is their priority, they may need to significantly improve their offer and move quickly before the transfer race becomes even more competitive.
Celtic, meanwhile, will be hoping that the growing interest can drive Engels’ price higher and provideo O’Neill with the funds needed to reshape his squad.
