Arne Engels’ future at Celtic is under mounting speculation, with sources close to the club suggesting the Belgian midfielder is “increasingly likely” to depart Parkhead during the upcoming summer transfer window. The 20-year-old, who joined the Hoops with considerable promise, has found consistent playing time hard to come by, and a move away now seems more probable than ever.
Engels arrived at Celtic with a reputation as a technically gifted, modern midfielder — able to operate centrally or on the right side of midfield. His early appearances hinted at potential, but his role within Brendan Rodgers’ setup has remained limited, with more experienced players ahead of him in the pecking order. As the club gears up for another vital transfer window, Engels appears to be one of the names on the possible exit list.
Signed amid much excitement as part of Celtic’s focus on developing young European talent, Engels was viewed as a long-term investment — a player who could evolve into a starter and potentially generate a sizable future transfer fee. However, the Belgian has struggled to cement a place in the starting XI, and while his versatility has been praised behind the scenes, it hasn’t translated into meaningful minutes on the pitch.
Rodgers, who returned to manage Celtic with a focus on results and squad balance, has leaned on experienced campaigners in key matches, which has made it difficult for young players like Engels to break through regularly. Though he has featured in domestic cup matches and made a few league cameos, it’s clear the midfielder is not considered a first-team regular at this stage.
Reports indicate that several clubs across Belgium, the Netherlands, and the German Bundesliga have made inquiries into Engels’ availability. Clubs in the Belgian Pro League, in particular, are understood to be interested in bringing him back to his homeland, where he previously impressed as a youth prospect.
A loan move was discussed in January but ultimately did not materialize, with Celtic choosing to retain squad depth. However, the likelihood of a permanent departure this summer has now significantly increased, especially with Celtic expected to revamp their midfield with a focus on physicality and European-level experience.
Engels, whose talent is still rated highly by scouts, is unlikely to be short of suitors. At just 20 years old, he has plenty of time to rediscover consistent playing time and develop further — something that appears more achievable away from the crowded midfield of Parkhead.
Brendan Rodgers has been clear about his ambition to refresh Celtic’s squad ahead of a new campaign that will include European competition and domestic expectations. With that comes difficult decisions on fringe players, particularly those who haven’t quite made the leap into regular first-team contention.
The club is expected to target midfield reinforcements, which may include a box-to-box presence or a defensive midfielder — roles that could directly affect Engels’ position in the team hierarchy. With the emergence of young talent from within the academy and the constant demand for results, opportunities may only become more scarce for the Belgian.
A Mutual Decision on the Horizon?
While Celtic would prefer to retain control over Engels’ future — possibly through a sale with a buy-back clause or a loan with an option to buy — the player himself is believed to be open to a move where he can play regularly and continue his development.
As things stand, a summer exit seems the most beneficial option for both parties. Whether it’s a permanent transfer or a season-long loan with future guarantees, all signs point toward Arne Engels departing Celtic in the coming months.
If confirmed, it will mark the end of a chapter that promised much but ultimately fell short of expectations — not due to lack of talent, but due to timing, squad dynamics, and the challenges of breaking into a title-contending team in transition.
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