Arne Engels Celtic departure inevitable as Martin O’Neill eyes replacement before deadline day
Arne Engels’ future at Celtic has long been speculated upon in the January transfer window.
The Hoops’ record signing has continued to remain a key player, and has been one of the few bright sparks this season despite their terrible form.
As a result, interest is believed to be high in the midfielder, with RB Leipzig eyeing a swoop for Engels.
However, Football Insider recently revealed that Engels will not push for a move away from Celtic, with the Hoops refusing to part with their star man mid-season.
Nevertheless, a sale in the summer is continuing to look likely, especially with the Old Firm side now targeting Silas Andersen.
Silas Andersen to Celtic could mean the end of Arne Engels in Glasgow
According to a report from Fotboll Direkt on 27 January, Celtic are leading the race to sign BK Hacken central-midfielder Andersen.
The 21-year-old has emerged as a top talent in the Allsvenskan, which has resulted in multiple clubs showing interest.
Hacken have already turned down a £3.2million bid from one suitor, with the Swedish side wanting £6.5m to part with the star.
Silas Andersen profile as promised 🇩🇰
— Kai Watson (@KaiGWatson) January 6, 2026
You can listen to my thoughts on this one here – https://t.co/lg2OgEBPLk pic.twitter.com/B3MUsCs4Kr
Therefore, if Celtic do cough up this money, surely it means the end for Engels.
While Engels would not depart in the current winter window, it may simply mean that the Hoops are bringing in his replacement early before they cash in on him in the summer.
Therefore, if Andersen is brought in, surely Engels’ departure at the end of the season is inevitable.
What are Andersen’s best qualities?
According to Fotmob on 28 January, Andersen excels both offensively and defensively as a midfielder.
In the Allsvenskan last season, he was averaging 0.08 goals, 1.12 shots, a 0.12 xG and 2.23 touches in the opposition box per game.
Defensively, he was winning 3.42 tackles, 7.92 duels won, 1.77 interceptions and 7.46 recoveries a match.
| Silas Andersen’s Allsvenskan stats from last season | Per 90 minutes |
| Goals | 0.08 |
| Shots | 1.12 |
| xG | 0.12 |
| Touches in opposition box | 2.23 |
| Tackles | 3.42 |
| Duels won | 7.92 |
| Interceptions | 1.77 |
| Recoveries | 7.46 |
While coming into the Scottish Premiership will be a different test, everything indicates that he will be an instant hit at Celtic Park if the move does go through.
Now, all that Martin O’Neill will be hoping for is that they can complete the signing before deadline day to help improve their chances of lifting the Scottish Premiership title at the end of the campaign.