Celtic Reject £17m Nottingham Forest Bid for Arne Engels: What's Next for the Belgian Star? (2026)

Hold onto your seats, football fans, because the transfer saga surrounding Celtic’s Arne Engels just took a dramatic turn! Nottingham Forest’s £17 million bid for the Belgian midfielder has been firmly rejected by the Scottish giants, marking the second time Forest has been turned away after an initial £14 million offer. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Engels, who joined Celtic for £11 million from Augsburg in August 2024, has become a cornerstone of the Glasgow club’s success, racking up 89 appearances and helping secure both the Scottish Premiership and League Cup last season. So, why are Celtic so reluctant to let him go? Interim manager Martin O’Neill summed it up perfectly when he said, ‘Honestly, I didn’t know anything about it… I would rather keep him.’ And this is the part most people miss: O’Neill jokingly added that only a £100 million bid might make the board reconsider, a statement that underscores just how highly Celtic value their star player. But here’s the controversial twist: Is Forest’s pursuit of Engels a desperate move to climb out of their 17th place Premier League standing, or a strategic play for a proven talent? Meanwhile, Celtic, sitting comfortably in second place in the Premiership, are reportedly close to finalizing two new signings, further solidifying their squad. Both clubs are set to face off in the Europa League play-offs this month, adding another layer of intrigue to this transfer drama. So, what do you think? Is Celtic right to hold onto Engels, or should they cash in on Forest’s interest? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over!

Celtic Reject £17m Nottingham Forest Bid for Arne Engels: What's Next for the Belgian Star? (2026)
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