Celtic have officially announced Arne Engels as their latest recruit on transfer deadline day.
After some weeks of speculation, the 20-year-old midfielder has signed on a four-year contract from Belgian Bundesliga side FC Augsburg in a deal thought to be worth £11m.
This makes Engels the most expensive signing in Celtic's history, a title previously held by Odsonne Edouard who joined from Paris Saint-Germain for £9m in 2018.
🆕 Arne Engels joins #CelticFC! 🙌 We are delighted to confirm the signing of highly-rated Belgian midfielder, Arne Engels, on a four-year deal - subject to international clearance ✍ Welcome to Paradise, Arne! 🍀
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 30, 2024
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In joining Brendan Rodgers' squad, Engels becomes the seventh signing of the current window – following Viljami Sinisalo, Kasper Schmeichel, Paulo Bernardo and Adam Idah on permanent deals, and Alex Valle who joins on a season-long loan from Barcelona. Luke McCowan is expected to become the final signing.
With the recent departure of midfielder Matt O'Riley – who left the club for Brighton and Hove Albion for a record selling fee of £25m+ – Engels is expected to fill the gap in the centre of pitch for the Scottish champions.
Rodgers said: “We are delighted to bring Arne to Celtic. He is an exciting young player of real quality who has already made his mark at a really high level in the Bundesliga.
"He has a wide range of attributes which will allow him to play a number of positions in midfield, so we feel he is an excellent acquisition for the Club. I think Arne’s style of play, his energy and his technical ability really will suit our game model.
"While Celtic will always be our priority, it is fantastic too that Arne is now receiving full international recognition within a top Belgian squad, something he is very deserving of."
