Celtic Knock Back Engels Bid as West Ham Look Set to Walk Away

Celtic appear to be standing firm over Arne Engels, and reports now suggest West Ham could be ready to walk away.

If that proves correct, Celtic deserve credit for refusing to be pushed into a deal that does not meet their valuation.

West Ham have already had two approaches rejected for Engels. Martin O’Neill confirmed that the Premier League club’s valuation did not meet Celtic’s.

Reports now suggest West Ham are unlikely to return with another bid. Their remaining transfer budget reportedly needs to cover several positions, while Celtic are refusing to budge.

Good.

This is exactly how Celtic should approach interest in their most valuable players.

Celtic Engels stance must remain firm

Celtic are not desperate for money. They should therefore have absolutely no reason to accept a reduced price simply because an English Premier League club comes calling.

Engels is only 22. He is a Belgian international, has significant potential and remains under a long-term Celtic contract.

That puts Celtic in a strong negotiating position.

If the club have set their valuation, West Ham either meet it or look elsewhere. Celtic should not negotiate against themselves simply to facilitate a transfer.

Perhaps this is a sign of something supporters have wanted to see for years.

Sell when the price is right. Refuse when it isn’t.

There is nothing wrong with Celtic selling players for enormous profits. That model has helped the club enormously.

However, every transfer decision must ultimately make Celtic stronger.

There is one potential complication.

Engels has been surrounded by speculation about a move to England. Reports have suggested personal terms were agreed and that the midfielder was interested in joining West Ham.

That inevitably raises questions about where his head is now.

Celtic have seen before how transfer speculation can affect players. Once someone begins imagining the next move, getting complete focus back can sometimes prove difficult.

Hopefully, that will not be an issue with Engels.

Celtic Engels decision could boost LASK chances

Keeping a fully committed Engels would be a major boost ahead of the Champions League play-off against LASK.

Celtic should be strengthening before that tie, not weakening themselves.

The objective cannot simply be reaching the Champions League either. Celtic need to build a team capable of competing when they get there.

Engels should be part of that ambition.

If West Ham believe Celtic’s valuation is too high, they are perfectly entitled to walk away.

That does not mean Celtic should blink.

Hopefully, this is evidence of a firmer transfer policy. Celtic set the price for their players, not West Ham and certainly not the financial might of the Premier League.

Keep Engels if possible. Get his complete focus back on Celtic. Then add quality around him.

If Celtic are finally prepared to knock back inadequate bids and prioritise the strength of the team, this is exactly the way forward.