Celtic will pay a club-record fee for the Augsburg midfielder; the 20-year-old will be Brendan Rodgers' fourth new signing this summer; four-year contract agreed with the player as he becomes Matt O'Riley's replacement
Friday 30 August 2024 11:59, UK
Celtic have agreed a club-record transfer fee for Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels.
The Hoops will pay £11m for the 20-year-old after their first three bids were rejected by the Bundesliga club.
Engels has agreed to a four-year deal with the club and is undergoing his medical in London. Once that is complete, he will arrive in Glasgow to finalise the paperwork.
Sky in Germany are reporting that Augsburg have inserted a 20 per cent sell-on clause into the deal.
Engles, who scored three goals and had two assists in 33 appearances last season, is viewed as a replacement for Matt O'Riley following his move to Brighton.
Celtic's previous transfer record was £9m for Odsonne Edouard, with the deal for bringing Adam Idah back to Parkhead only set to beat Engels' fee if add-ons are activated.
He will be the fourth new player to join Celtic this season alongside Kasper Schmeichel, Viljami Sinisalo and Alex Valle, while Idah and Paulo Bernardo both completed permanent moves after loan spells last term.
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton on Sky Sports:
"O'Riley was Celtic's best player last season and they can't replace him essentially.
"I don't think they need just one body in, they need more than that. Replacing Matt O'Riley is nigh on impossible.
"Paulo Bernardo will get the chance to show what he can do on a consistent basis.
"Celtic need more quality in the building. O'Riley is an enormous loss, to lose him this late is a problem for Celtic."
Former Celtic midfielder Stiliyan Petrov on Sky Sports:
"You can see how badly they will miss O'Riley but the club will continue. It is important how they spend that money.
"Celtic and Rangers produce players which other teams look to take to strengthen their teams. O'Riley has really matured in the last year and I am not surprised a Premier League team has come in for him with a big price."
Stream Sky Sports live with no contract on a Month or Day membership on NOW. Instant access to live action from the Scottish Premiership, Premier League, EFL, F1 and so much more.
