Sport Nation 2Celtic have made headlines this summer by selling star midfielder Matt O’Riley to Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion. The move came after receiving interest from other English clubs, as well as Champions League contenders such as Atletico Madrid and Atalanta. Now, with the departure of O’Riley, Celtic must focus on strengthening their squad to retain the Scottish Premiership title and make an impact in the revamped Champions League format.
One player Celtic has set their sights on is 20-year-old Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels. The Scottish giants have been frequently linked with a move for Engels, a promising talent in the Bundesliga. After having an initial offer rejected, Celtic were informed that Augsburg would demand at least £10 million for one of their most promising players. Reports now suggest that Celtic have agreed to break their transfer record by securing Engels for £11 million, with the deal nearing completion.
Engels is highly regarded for his potential, but the transfer fee poses a significant risk for Celtic. The Belgian midfielder is not a regular starter for Augsburg, a club with less prestige than Celtic. Last season, Engels made 19 appearances off the bench and started only 13 matches. Although he played more games in the 2023/24 season compared to the previous year, he started five fewer matches and accumulated around the same number of minutes (1,400).
Despite these concerns, Engels has shown potential in his performances. His two-way production is intriguing, with Engels averaging at least one tackle per game over the past two seasons. In the 2022/23 season, he also contributed more than one key pass per game, demonstrating his ability to impact both defensively and offensively.
Stylistically, Engels could serve as a replacement for Reo Hatate rather than Matt O’Riley. Fortunately for Celtic supporters, the club has no intention of selling the talented Japanese midfielder. The decision to invest heavily in Engels suggests that Celtic’s management, including manager Brendan Rodgers, sees significant potential in the young player.
Engels’ development at Augsburg indicates that he possesses the skill set to make a meaningful contribution to Celtic’s midfield. While he may not yet have the experience or reputation of an established star, his versatility and potential could provide Celtic with a valuable asset for the future. His defensive abilities combined with his vision and creativity on the ball offer Celtic an opportunity to nurture and develop a well-rounded midfielder.
Nevertheless, the £11 million fee is substantial for Celtic, a club that has traditionally operated with financial prudence in the transfer market. Engels’ immediate impact on the team is expected to be positive, but he may not reach the levels of influence that players like Hatate or O’Riley have provided. The investment in Engels reflects a long-term vision for the club, aiming to cultivate a player who can grow and contribute significantly over the coming years.
Engels’ potential signing underscores Celtic’s ambition to maintain their dominance in Scottish football while also making a mark on the European stage. With the Scottish Premiership becoming increasingly competitive and the Champions League format evolving, Celtic’s decision-makers are clearly focused on building a squad that can compete at the highest levels. The addition of Engels is part of this strategy, indicating a willingness to invest in young talent that can be molded to fit the club’s playing style and philosophy.
While the transfer fee for Engels may raise eyebrows, it is not uncommon for clubs to take calculated risks in the transfer market, especially when targeting emerging talents with high potential. Celtic’s move for Engels demonstrates a commitment to enhancing their squad’s quality and depth, providing Brendan Rodgers with more options in midfield.
If Engels lives up to his potential, the £11 million investment could prove to be a masterstroke for Celtic. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively will be invaluable in a midfield that needs to balance creativity with solidity. Engels has the tools to develop into a key player for Celtic, capable of influencing games in various aspects.
As the transfer window draws to a close, Celtic’s pursuit of Engels represents a bold move that could shape the club’s future. The decision to break their transfer record for a player with potential rather than immediate stardom reflects a strategic approach to building a sustainable and competitive team. If Engels adapts well to the Scottish Premiership and continues to develop under Rodgers’ guidance, he could become an integral part of Celtic’s plans for domestic success and European ambitions.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Engels as he settles into his new surroundings at Celtic Park. The expectations will be high, but with the right support and development, he has the opportunity to thrive. Celtic fans will be eager to see how Engels integrates into the squad and what he can bring to the team, especially as they prepare for the challenges of the new season and beyond.
Celtic’s willingness to make such an investment in Engels also highlights their confidence in identifying and nurturing talent. This approach could set a precedent for future signings, emphasizing the club’s commitment to long-term success rather than short-term gains. Engels’ progress will be closely monitored, and his development could pave the way for similar transfers in the future.
In conclusion, Celtic’s pursuit of Arne Engels represents a significant investment in a young player with considerable potential. While the transfer fee is substantial, the decision to target Engels reflects a strategic vision for the club’s future. As Celtic aim to maintain their domestic dominance and make an impact in Europe, the signing of Engels could prove to be a crucial step in achieving those goals. With Brendan Rodgers at the helm and a focus on developing young talent, Celtic are positioning themselves for sustained success in the coming years.
Amina Umar
Sport nation