Celtic's 22-year-old midfielder Arne Engels may leave the club this summer, depending on the outcome of the title race. Strong performances have attracted interest from clubs like Nottingham Forest, making a transfer increasingly likely.
Key points
Celtic may lose midfielder Arne Engels this summer.
The title race outcome will influence Engels' future.
Nottingham Forest is among clubs interested in Engels.
Celtic typically accepts substantial transfer offers.
Engels has shown strong performances in Glasgow.
CelticNottingham Forest
22-Year-Old Celtic Player Set For A Possible Summer Move: Will Losing The Title Guarantee A Sale?
22-Year-Old Celtic Player Set For A Possible Summer Move: Will Losing The Title Guarantee A Sale?
Celtic are staring down the very real possibility of losing their best midfielder this summer, and the result of the title race will likely decide whether Arne Engels stays or goes. Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Engelsā consistently strong performances in Glasgow have made a move away more and more likely.
Celtic face summer reckoning as Engels edges towards the exit door
Brown pointed out that the financial reality of Scottish football makes it hard to say no to massive offers, noting that Celtic usually take the money when a substantial bid comes in. He mentioned that scouts from Nottingham Forest and other clubs will be watching Engels closely during the final stretch, doing their homework before deciding on a formal bid this summer.
Forest already put Ā£25 million on the table on deadline day in February, which Celtic knocked back because they werenāt willing to let their star man go mid-season. Brown believes winning the Premiership is the big factor here; Champions League football gives Celtic the power to turn down even the most aggressive offers. Without it, he argues, it will be almost impossible to stop him from moving to a club offering football at a higher level.
āItās difficult for Celtic to keep hold of their best players,ā Brown told Football Insider.
Q&A
What factors will influence Arne Engels' potential transfer from Celtic?
The outcome of the title race is a key factor that may determine whether Arne Engels stays at Celtic or moves to another club.
Which clubs are interested in signing Arne Engels from Celtic?
Nottingham Forest and other clubs are reportedly monitoring Arne Engels' performances as they consider making a formal bid.
How do financial realities affect Celtic's decision on player transfers?
Celtic often accepts substantial offers for players due to the financial constraints of Scottish football, making it difficult to refuse lucrative bids.
What has been the impact of Arne Engels' performances at Celtic?
Engels' consistently strong performances have increased the likelihood of a summer transfer, attracting attention from multiple clubs.
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āThe way the game is in Scotland at the moment, if a huge offer comes in for somebody, chances are it will be accepted because they could do with the money.
āWhenever thereās a player performing at a high level for Celtic, itās going to attract interest.
āSo when weāre speaking about Engels, of course, thereās going to be interest in him, and clubs will be keeping a close eye to see how he does in the run-in.
āThese interested clubs, Nottingham Forest and the rest, will send scouts to have a closer look at him and get all of the information they could possibly need.
āForest made that Ā£25million offer, so itās clear they are big fans of his and I wouldnāt expect their interest to go away quickly if that is the case.
āIf Celtic donāt go and win the league, itās going to be difficult to keep hold of him. Thatās the key for now: win the league and get into the Champions League.
āIf they canāt do that, there are clubs who will be able to offer him the opportunity, and thatās when it becomes difficult to prevent a move.ā
As of late April 2026, Celtic are second in the Premiership with 70 points, behind leaders Hearts. The title is still within reach, but itās far from a sure thing. Borussia Dortmund have now joined Forest and Lazio in the race for Engels, and sources say the player is definitely open to testing himself at a top European club.
Does Celtic losing the title actually guarantee that Engels leaves this summer?
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND ā APRIL 25: Arne Engels of Celtic take sa free kick during the William Hill Premiership match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park Stadium on April 25, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)
Honestly, no, and thatās an important distinction to make. Celtic still hold the cards because Engels is under contract until 2028. That gives the club plenty of breathing room in any talks. They could still hold out for a fee higher than the Ā£25 million Forest offered, even if the title ends up at Tynecastle or Ibrox.
Thereās no doubt Engels has real quality; heās got great vision, stays calm on the ball, and chips in with goals. However, he can be inconsistent and has a bit of a worrying injury record. Interested clubs will be considering those risks carefully, especially if theyāre expected to pay north of Ā£25 million for a player who is still a work in progress.
The end of the title race changes how Celtic approach the negotiation, but it doesnāt change the contract. What really speeds up a sale is the playerās own head being turned. If Engels decides he wants out, the amount of interest means Celtic will be under massive pressure to sell. Fans deserve some honesty: losing out on the Champions League and losing their best midfielder in the same summer would be a massive step backwards.
