Celtic have firmly rejected a £17m offer from Nottingham Forest for Belgian midfielder Arne Engels, following an earlier failed bid of £14m. The 22-year-old joined the Glasgow giants from Augsburg for £11m in August 2024 and has since become a key figure, making 89 appearances across all competitions and helping Celtic lift the Scottish Premiership and League Cup last season.
Interim manager Martin O’Neill expressed surprise at the approach. “Honestly, I didn’t know anything about it,” he said after Celtic’s 2-0 win over Falkirk. “If they did, it must have been while we were playing. I would want it rebuffed—unless it was £100m. Then maybe the board would step in. No, I’d rather keep him.”
Celtic are reportedly close to completing two new signings as they push for success in the Europa League play-offs this month. They currently sit second in the Premiership, six points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian, while Forest battle near the bottom of the Premier League in 17th place.
Engels’ continued presence is seen as vital to Celtic’s domestic and European ambitions, and the club remain determined to keep hold of their talented midfielder.
