(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Mon 27 April 2026 19:49, UK

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Arne Engels is open to a move away from Celtic this summer after Borussia Dortmund joined the race for his signature, sources have told Football Insider.

The 22-year-old is attracting high-profile interest in a move away from Parkhead this summer, with clubs in the Premier League, Bundesliga and Serie A all interested.

Should the Hoops miss out on winning the league and subsequent qualification for the Champions League, it could prove difficult to keep the midfielder.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Engels is interested in exploring the possibility of a step up to a top European side.

However, any deal for the Belgium international to leave Scotland will have to include a “huge” fee, with the club reluctant to sell ahead of a crucial window for Celtic.

Could Arne Engels be lured away from Celtic?

Football Insider exclusively revealed on 24 April that Borussia Dortmund have joined the race for Engels and are in a strong position to lure him away.

Nico Kovac’s side are on course to qualify for Champions League football, which will prove a big draw for the Celtic star, alongside the chance at a step up.

Ahead of what is set to be a turbulent summer for Celtic with managerial changes as well as concerns behind the scenes, Engels could be tempted to jump ship.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Celtic did well to keep hold of Engels in the January window. I think the player was happy to stay as well at the time.

“My understanding is that the latest club to show interest in Engels is Borussia Dortmund in Germany, which is something that will be attractive to the player.

“The opportunity to play Champions League football, as well as making the step over to the Bundesliga, is something that will be a big pull for him.

“Celtic obviously turned down huge money for Engels in the January window, but if similar bids arrive I expect their stance could change.

“Engels is one of the most sellable assets there and if the player himself wants to move on, then I’m sure there’ll be a lot of interest in him.”

Who else is interested in signing Engels?

Dortmund are the latest club to join the race for Engels, and are well-placed to agree a deal, but are not the only club in the race for his signature.

RB Leipzig have been long-term admirers and considered a move in January, while Serie A outfit Lazio are reportedly keeping tabs on his situation.

Meanwhile, Football Insider exclusively revealed that Engels is still on Nottingham Forest’s shortlist after they missed out on signing him in the mid-season window.

Forest saw a number of bids turned down on deadline day in February, including a final offer worth £25million, as Celtic were determined to keep their star man.

However, that interest has not faded at Forest could return with a similar offer when Celtic have more time to bring in a replacement with the funds.