RB Leipzig closely monitoring Celtic star Arne Engels

RB Leipzig closely monitoring Celtic star Arne Engels

Celtic midfielder Arne Engels is attracting transfer interest from Germany, as RB Leipzig are considering pricing him away from Parkhead. According to Florian Plettenberg, Leipzig are closely monitoring the Celtic ace on their transfer shortlist. Engels has caught the eye in Celtic colours this season, producing top midfield performances week in, week out. The 22-year-old has bagged four goals and created five big chances in 27 Scottish Premiership appearances this season. He has recorded five goals and seven assists in 42 appearances across all competitions, becoming a Belgian international along the way. “Arne has been fantastic since he walked in the door. Big price tag, big expectation, and he has handled it so, so well,” Celtic captain Callum McGregor said (via the BBC). Engels is a fantastic midfielder, and it still feels there are levels to his game. Celtic would be losing a gem if they let him go this summer. However, while Leipzig’s interest is understandable, the move may not be as straightforward or attractive for Engels as it first appears. The Bundesliga side is already stacked with midfield options and could struggle to guarantee him consistent minutes next season. Xaver Schlager, Nicolas Seiwald and already form a strong, balanced core in central areas, while highly rated youngster Assan Ouedraogo is back from injury. There is also the presence of talented midfielder Ezekiel Banzuzi, who remains highly regarded internally. Competition is already fierce at Leipzig, to the point where even has found regular opportunities difficult to come by despite arriving with huge expectations. That reality is something Celtic should emphasise if Leipzig make their interest concrete. Engels is currently playing every week, developing rapidly and thriving under pressure at a major club. A move to Germany could easily stall that momentum. Convincing him that his pathway at Celtic remains stronger may prove crucial this summer.