Celtic’s £11million investment in midfielder Arne Engels has sparked plenty of debate since his move from Augsburg.
While he has shown flashes of his potential, with 10 goals and 12 assists in 47 appearances, some critics question whether the 21-year-old is worth such a hefty price tag
“I don’t care — I’m here to just perform and to get better," Engels said when recently asked about the scrutiny he's received since joining the Scottish Premiership champions.
“I’m still young, I still need to learn. I think I have good numbers and good performances.
“Everybody has something to say and, of course, I’m not reading it. But sometimes you hear it. My parents are telling me, ‘they are saying this or that’.
“But it is up to me to just perform, enjoy my game and enjoy life. I think I’m in a good place, I’m doing well here.
“And it’s not about me, it’s about the team. I want to be here to help the team and win trophies. We are still in a place to get the three trophies this season. That was a big aim for me.”
Richard Foster, former Rangers and Aberdeen defender turned pundit, is confident that Celtic’s decision to sign Engels will pay off. Foster sees the move as part of Celtic’s shift in strategy to compete more effectively in Europe.
Engels’ arrival marks a departure from the club's usual transfer model of finding talented players for less money, but Foster believes the young midfielder has the potential to become a standout player alongside Reo Hatate and captain Callum McGregor.
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"His signing is the intent they have to compete in Europe. It is not the normal Celtic model," he told Go Radio Football Show.
"They find certain players, superstars, for less money. They've went down a different path here but he is 21-years-old.
"He's coming into a strong Celtic midfield and into Scottish football. A lot of times people forget how difficult it is to come into Scottish football and hit the ground running.
"It is different to any other league in the world. It is intense, fast-paced, there is a lot of mistakes and turnovers. You don't get a lot of time on the ball.
"We constantly see players coming up from England and struggle to play in Scotland because it is different.
"For his first season and for a young lad, I think he has done remarkably well. I do think he will get better and better.
"I think he will spend a couple seasons here and move onto a bigger club for bigger money. I still think they will make money on that investment because he can be that good."
