Celtic have turned down a £17 million offer from Nottingham Forest for Belgian midfielder Arne Engels, showing their determination to keep one of their key players.
Forest had earlier failed with a £14 million bid before increasing their offer, but the Scottish champions were not willing to negotiate.
Engels, 22, joined Celtic from Augsburg in August 2024 and has since become an important figure in the squad.
Engels’ Growing Value at Celtic Park
Since arriving in Glasgow, Engels has impressed with his consistency and attacking contribution from midfield.
He has made 89 appearances in all competitions and played a major role in Celtic’s Premiership and League Cup triumph last season.
The midfielder has also scored five goals this campaign, underlining his rising market value.
O’Neill’s Firm Stand on Transfer Talks
Interim manager Martin O’Neill claimed he was unaware of Forest’s approach during Celtic’s recent win over Falkirk.
He joked that only an extraordinary offer would make the club reconsider its stance.
O’Neill stressed that his priority remains keeping Engels at the club as they push for success.
European Ambitions Shape Celtic’s Decision
Both Celtic and Nottingham Forest are preparing for Europa League play-off matches later this month.
With crucial fixtures ahead, Celtic are reluctant to weaken their squad midway through the season.
Currently second in the Premiership, six points behind leaders Hearts, Celtic see Engels as central to their title challenge.
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