Guffwatch

Unpacking the West Ham news cycle.

incoming transfers

Arne Engels Transfer

Started Last Movement

West Ham have completed the signing of Arne Engels from Celtic. The 22-year-old Belgium midfielder has signed a five-year contract with an option for a further year, while West Ham describe the undisclosed fee as a record paid by an EFL Championship club.

No-Guff Summary

  • Signed: West Ham have completed the transfer of Arne Engels from Celtic.
  • Contract: The 22-year-old has signed for five years, with an option for a further year.
  • Fee: The amount is undisclosed, although West Ham call it a record paid by an EFL Championship club.
Development

West Ham complete Arne Engels signing

The speculation has finally given way to a signing. Arne Engels has joined West Ham from Celtic on a five-year contract.

ESPN reports the deal was worth around £22m. The 22-year-old Belgium midfielder leaves Celtic after exactly 100 appearances and says his big goal is to help the Irons return to the Premier League.

Engels was not signed in time for the Championship opener at Burnley. ESPN says he could make his debut when Charlton Athletic visit on 22 August.

Sources

  • West Ham Official (opens in a new tab) — Confirms West Ham United's signing of Arne Engels from Celtic on a five-year contract with an option for a further year, with the fee undisclosed.
  • Inside Futbol (opens in a new tab) — Reports that West Ham have confirmed the signing of Arne Engels from Celtic on a five-year contract with an option for an additional year, with the midfielder targeting a return to the Premier League.
  • Evening Standard (opens in a new tab) — Reports that West Ham have completed the signing of Arne Engels from Celtic on a five-year deal, with the fee potentially reaching £25m and the midfielder unavailable for the Championship opener at Burnley.
  • BBC (opens in a new tab) — Reports that West Ham have signed Arne Engels from Celtic for £22m, a record fee for an EFL Championship club, with the midfielder agreeing a five-year contract.
  • ESPN.co.uk (opens in a new tab) — Reports that West Ham have signed Arne Engels from Celtic on a five-year contract in a deal understood to be worth around £22m.
  • Celtic Shorts (opens in a new tab) — Reports Chris Sutton's criticism of Celtic's £22 million sale of Arne Engels to West Ham before Celtic's Champions League play-off tie, alongside Martin O'Neill's reported preference to retain the midfielder and search for a physical replacement.