Celtic's Callum Osmand celebrating with Arne Engels with West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo looking stern at him left inset

Celtic's Callum Osmand with West Ham manager Nuno Espirito SantoImago

Sources: Celtic star Arne Engels ‘agrees’ West Ham terms

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

31 Jul 2026, 3:37 pm

Celtic star Arne Engels has agreed personal terms with West Ham United ahead of a potential summer move, sources have told Football Insider.

The two clubs are currently negotiating a fee for the 22-year-old midfielder, with the Hoops holding out for a £25million package.

Engels has attracted interest from a host of Premier League clubs in recent months, with Nottingham Forest seeing a £25m offer rejected in the recent winter window.

The Belgium international played a key part in Celtic winning a domestic double last campaign, as the midfielder made 46 appearances in all competitions and scored seven goals.

If a deal is agreed, Engels will become West Ham’s second major signing of the summer after Keiber Lamadrid.

Nuno Espirito Santo has been in need of a new midfielder after Mateus Fernandes made a record move to Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the transfer window.

How good is Arne Engels?

Engels has no doubt made a name for himself in Scotland.

The midfielder was Celtic’s record signing after they brought him for £11m before Kasper Hogh made the move to Parkhead this summer.

During his first two years at the Old Firm club, Engels has lived up to his price tag and has won four out of a possible six major domestic trophies.

According to Fotmob on 31 July, the midfielder was excellent in the Scottish Premiership last season as the club won the title.

Overall, he averaged 0.22 goals, a 0.23 xG, 1.39 shots, 0.36 shots on target, 0.13 assists, a 0.20 xA, 1.88 chances created, 0.27 big chances created and 2.82 touches in the opposition box per 90 minutes.

Therefore, if these stats can be replicated in the Championship, Engels will no doubt be an instant hit as West Ham looks to quickly return to the Premier League.

West Ham transfers: Where Arne Engels move will rank among Championship record signings

How does Engels’ stats compare to Mateus Fernandes?

While it is difficult to compare a player from the Scottish Premiership to one in the Premier League, on the face of it, Engels' stats are better than Fernandes’.

According to Fotmob, last season Fernandes averaged 0.09 goals, a 0.06 xG, 0.83 shots, 0.24 shots on target, 0.12 assists, a 0.09 xA, 1.10 chances created, 0.09 big chances created and 0.65 touches in the opposition box per 90 minutes in the Premier League.

However, it must be considered that the Premier League is a far tougher division than the Scottish Premiership.

Nevertheless, every sign indicates that Engels could be a big hit in the Championship with West Ham next season.

Arne Engels