Will Celtic cash in on Arne Engels and Benjamin Nygren this summer to give the new manager a bumper transfer kitty?
Hot on the heels of news that there has been significant interest in Benjamin Nygren, it’s now been reported that multiple clubs are interested in swooping for Benji’s midfield partner Arne Engels in the summer transfer window.
Benjamin Nygren at Tannadice. Dundee Utd v Celtic. Sunday 22 March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
Arne Engels was subject of a spurned £25 million bid by EPL side Nottingham Forest during the January transfer window, however the club quite rightly was reluctant to let him go, although it was perhaps also to do with the inevitable backlash they would have followed had the Celtic Board been unable to resist the lure of the offer on the table.
But it always looked like a temporary reprieve for Celtic’s record signing as far as his time in the Hoops is concerned. Now once again Arne Engels is attracting serious attention, with Italian giants Lazio said to be considering a bid for the Belgian international when the summer window opens for business.
Arne Engels of Celtic celebrates after he scores his team’s fourth goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Celtic and Kilmarnock at Celtic Park on November 09, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
I would assume, that a bid of upwards of £25 million would be the starting bid considering Nottingham Forest offered the same amount just a few months ago. And the English outfit haven’t given up their ambition regarding Engels with their offer likely to be resubmitted as the transfer window opens.
Combine that with the reported £26 million offers being said to have been lined up for Benjamin Nygren, then it’s a very serious bounty that could be heading the clubs way.
Reo Hatate scores at Ibrox in the penalty shoot-out. Scottish Cup quarter final on Sunday 8 March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
Add the fact that the likes of Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and maybe Yang are also very likely to be moved on in the summer, then it could be the case that we could a very substantial kitty to offer the new incoming manager, whoever he may be.
It’s no secret that the club is in need of a dramatic overhaul on the pitch as well as off it, and a possible massive cash incoming would aid in making that possible, especially with Champions League football looking harder to get our hands on after such a turbulent season.
We don’t want to lose vital players such as Arne Engels and Benjamin Nygren (although some would jump at the chance of selling one or both) but if it aided a bumper spending spree that could bring in the players such as Kasper Hogh, and the many others that are badly required, then it’s something well worth considering.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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Engels, 100%! YES!
Nygren? 100% NO!
How dumb are some people that they don’t see the wood for the trees?
Nygren, like Tony Ralston is ALWAYS a goal threat!
Engels on the other hand, has always been a misfit. If it wasn’t for his penalties, let’s not kid ourselves, his contribution is very low. He can’t tackle. He doesn’t chase back if he loses a ball. His off the ball contribution is seriously lacking!
Between him and Trusty, we wasted over £17M on two misfit duds!
THIS is the legacy Rodgers REALLY left us! Despite all the crap we read today.
Can’t imagine if the present politburo are still in power giving the new manager 50 million.biscuit tin rules ok.hh
@justanordinarybhoy.
I’m sure you are a nice guy, but I despair at the sheer stupidity of some of your articles. If we sell those 2 players, given experience over the last 25 years, what evidence is there that this money will be spent on players and not just banked with all the other ‘big player’ sales???!!!