DEAL AGREED: Celtic completes TWO DEALS on Deadline Day. Players set for medicals TODAY. BUT…

Celtic Close to £17 Million Double Signing on Deadline Day

Scottish Premiership champions Celtic are on the brink of securing two major signings on transfer deadline day. Augsburg’s Arne Engels and Sheffield United’s Auston Trusty are set to join the club for a combined fee of £17 million. These signings are expected to bring fresh energy and talent to Brendan Rodgers’ squad as they prepare for the upcoming challenges, including the much-anticipated Old Firm derby.

Arne Engels: Celtic’s New Record Signing

Arne Engels, the dynamic midfielder from Augsburg, is poised to become Celtic’s record signing, with the club agreeing to a transfer fee of £11 million. Engels’ arrival will mark a significant investment from the Hoops, who recently received £25 million from the sale of Matt O’Riley to Brighton and Hove Albion. The 21-year-old midfielder has been turning heads in the Bundesliga with his speed and creativity, making him a promising addition to Celtic’s midfield.

Engels’ signing also means that Celtic will break their transfer record for the second time this summer, having already secured Adam Idah from Norwich City for a potential £9.5 million. Engels’ arrival will undoubtedly add depth and versatility to Celtic’s midfield, a crucial factor as the team gears up for both domestic and European competitions.

Auston Trusty: Defensive Reinforcement

In addition to Engels, Celtic is finalizing a deal for Sheffield United defender Auston Trusty for £6 million. The 26-year-old American international has two caps for the United States and brings with him experience from both the Premier League and Major League Soccer. Trusty’s move to Celtic comes after a challenging season with Sheffield United, but the left-sided center-back is expected to be a valuable asset at Parkhead.

Trusty’s addition will provide Brendan Rodgers with more options in defense, particularly as he looks to pair Trusty with fellow American Cameron Carter-Vickers. The partnership between the two could offer Celtic a solid and dynamic defensive duo, helping to bolster the team’s backline.

Challenges in Signing Mateusz Bogusz

While Celtic is making significant strides with the signings of Engels and Trusty, the club is facing challenges in securing Los Angeles FC’s Mateusz Bogusz. The £8 million-rated midfielder was seen as a potential replacement for Matt O’Riley, with his ability to score goals and create opportunities making him an attractive target. However, negotiations have stalled, and it now appears unlikely that Bogusz will be joining Celtic this window.

Bogusz has been in impressive form for LAFC, scoring 17 goals this season, and his signing would have been a major coup for Celtic. However, with talks reportedly hitting a dead end, the club may need to explore other options or focus on integrating their new signings into the squad.

Brendan Rodgers’ Perspective

Despite the setbacks in the pursuit of Bogusz, Brendan Rodgers remains optimistic about the club’s transfer activities. The Celtic manager has been vocal about his frustrations with the recruitment process but is hopeful that the last-minute additions of Engels and Trusty will strengthen the team.

Rodgers has already welcomed Spain youth star Alex Valle, who joined Celtic on loan from Barcelona earlier in the week. Valle, a product of Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy, is expected to provide much-needed cover for Greg Taylor at left-back. Rodgers has praised Valle’s footballing style, noting that his attributes will complement Celtic’s attacking play and provide additional options in the defense.

“Álex has been brought up in a real high-quality footballing environment, learning all the good habits and skills associated with any top team. He is a player with some tremendous attributes,” Rodgers said during Valle’s unveiling. “He has performed really well for Levante last season, been around Barcelona’s first team this year already, and he is a welcome and quality addition to our squad.”

Rodgers is undoubtedly hoping that the new signings will help address some of the team’s weaknesses and provide a morale boost ahead of the crucial Old Firm clash against Rangers.

Implications for Celtic’s Squad

The incoming transfers of Engels and Trusty signify Celtic’s intent to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level. The club’s willingness to break its transfer record twice in one window reflects a commitment to backing Rodgers with the resources needed to succeed. Engels, with his potential to become a key playmaker, and Trusty, who will solidify the defense, are expected to play pivotal roles in Celtic’s upcoming campaign.

However, the potential departure of players like Matt O’Riley and the uncertain pursuit of Mateusz Bogusz also highlight the challenges Celtic faces in maintaining a balanced and competitive squad. Rodgers will need to manage these transitions carefully, ensuring that the new arrivals integrate smoothly while the team continues to perform on the pitch.

Looking Ahead: The Old Firm Derby

As the transfer window closes, all eyes will turn to the first Old Firm derby of the season. Celtic fans are eager to see how the new signings will impact the team’s performance against their fiercest rivals, Rangers. The match will be a significant test for Rodgers and his squad, as they look to assert their dominance in the Scottish Premiership and build momentum for the season ahead.

The potential partnership of Auston Trusty and Cameron Carter-Vickers in defense, combined with the creative spark that Arne Engels could bring to the midfield, has the potential to make Celtic a formidable force. With the addition of Alex Valle providing depth in defense, Celtic is poised to challenge on multiple fronts this season.

Conclusion

Celtic’s transfer activity on deadline day reflects a club determined to strengthen its squad and remain competitive at the highest levels of football. The signings of Arne Engels and Auston Trusty, along with the earlier arrival of Alex Valle, signal a positive end to a challenging transfer window for Brendan Rodgers and his team. While the pursuit of Mateusz Bogusz may not have gone as planned, the overall outlook for Celtic is optimistic as they prepare for the season ahead. The Old Firm derby will be the first real test of how these new additions will shape the team’s fortunes, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting and competitive season.