Transfers

Celtic race to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain before Thursday’s UEFA deadline for the Europa League squad.

CELTIC have officially knocked back a second, improved offer from Nottingham Forest for Belgian midfielder Arne Engels as the January transfer window enters its final hours. The Premier League side returned with a bid of approximately £17.3 million (€20m) on Monday morning, following the rejection of an initial £14 million proposal on Sunday. However, the Parkhead board has stood firm, mirroring the defiant stance of interim manager Martin O’Neill. Engels, who joined the Hoops for a club-record £11 million from Augsburg in August 2024, has become a vital cog in the Celtic machine, making nearly 90 appearances and securing a domestic double in his debut season. Despite the lure of a healthy profit, Celtic appear determined to keep their prize asset for the run-in. “I’d Want it Rebuffed” Speaking after Celtic’s 2-0 victory over Falkirk on Sunday—where goals from Tomas Cvancara and Benjamin Nygren secured the points—O’Neill was unequivocal about the player’s value to his squad. “Honestly, I am telling you, I didn’t know anything about it,” O’Neill said regarding the initial Forest interest. “If they have [bid], then they must have done it during the game. And I would want it rebuffed, unless it was £100m.” The veteran manager, currently in his second interim spell following the recent departure of Wilfried Nancy, added: “Then I think the board would step in there. No, absolutely, I would rather keep him.” Title Race and European Ambitions The decision to retain Engels comes at a critical juncture. Celtic currently sit six points behind leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership and have a massive Europa League play-off tie against VfB Stuttgart looming this month. Losing a key midfield presence like the 22-year-old Belgian international would be a significant blow to O’Neill’s hopes of chasing down the Jambos. While Forest, currently 17th in the Premier League under Sean Dyche, may yet test Celtic’s resolve with a third offer before the 11 PM deadline, the message from Glasgow is clear: Engels is not for sale. Incomings on the Horizon While slamming the door on departures, O’Neill confirmed that Celtic are working hard on their own recruitment. The Hoops are reportedly closing in on loan deals for Freiburg striker Junior Adamu and Lorient winger Joel Mvuka to bolster an attack that has been “running on empty” according to the manager. Celtic fans—is the board right to hold out for more, or should we have cashed in on Engels to fund a deadline day spending spree? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!