Celtic could land ‘enormous’ prize after rejecting big-money Arne Engels offer

Celtic decided not to sell midfielder Arne Engels despite receiving big-money offers before the transfer window closed on 2 February. 

Football Insider revealed last month Celtic wouldn’t accept offers for Engels as he remains a big part of Martin O’Neill’s plans for the rest of the season. 

That proved to be the case after Nottingham Forest saw three deadline-day bids rejected for Engels, with their final proposal worth around £25million. 

That would have matched the Scottish record for a sale after Matt O’Riley joined Brighton from Celtic for £25m in the summer of 2024. 

Celtic could have made a sizeable profit on Engels, who made the move to Parkhead for £11m from Augsburg a year-and-a-half ago. 

Why Celtic decided not to sell Arne Engels to Nottingham Forest

Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Celtic could claim an “enormous” prize if they win the Scottish Premiership after deciding to keep Engels. 

The Hoops currently sit third in the table, six points behind leaders Hearts and three points off second-place Rangers, but they have a game in hand on both clubs. 

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Celtic rejecting offers for Engels, Borson said: “We have spoken before about how Rangers and Celtic both have to start making more money from trying to fill out dealings. That's for sure, but you don't need to do it now. 

“You look at it again in terms of what's the prize for the second half of the season? Well, it's clearly enormous for Celtic. 

“Secondly, what's going to happen to his price if you don't sell him now versus selling him in the summer? Almost nothing.” 

Why Engels's price tag could increase this summer

Borson insisted Celtic could receive bigger offers for Engels this summer if he continues to perform well at Parkhead. 

“I mean, he could easily have a very good second half of the season and his price could go up,” said Borson.

“It's very unlikely to go materially down. There's just no incentive to do the deal now unless the player is basically on strike, and I don't think the player was basically on strike, so the deal is rejected.”

Engels has registered 15 goals and 20 assists in 89 appearances since joining Celtic in the summer of 2024.

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