Crystal Palace enters the competition for Celtic midfielder Arne Engels.

Growing Interest in Celtic Star

Crystal Palace have become the latest club to express interest in signing Celtic midfielder Arne Engels, with competition for the Belgian’s signature continuing to intensify ahead of the summer transfer window.

The talented 21-year-old has enjoyed an impressive campaign in Scotland and has emerged as one of the most sought-after young midfielders available on the market. His performances for Celtic have not gone unnoticed, attracting attention from clubs across both the Premier League and Europe.

23rd May 2026; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Cup Final Football, Celtic versus Dunfermline; Arne Engels of Celtic with the trophy. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

As speculation surrounding his future gathers momentum, Crystal Palace are now reported to have joined a growing list of admirers keen to secure his services. The South London club are believed to be closely monitoring developments and are preparing to compete with several rivals in an attempt to bring the midfielder to Selhurst Park.

With multiple clubs tracking the Belgian international, Celtic could soon face a difficult challenge in retaining one of their most promising players.

Premier League Clubs Monitoring Situation

Crystal Palace are far from the only side showing interest in Engels.

19th April 2026; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Cup Football, Celtic versus St Mirren; Arne Engels of Celtic

A number of Premier League clubs have already been linked with a potential move for the midfielder in recent months. Among those reportedly keeping tabs on the Celtic star are Nottingham Forest, Sunderland and Fulham.

Each of those clubs is understood to have been impressed by Engels’ development and the consistency he has shown throughout the season.

His ability to influence games from midfield, combined with his technical quality and maturity despite his young age, has made him an attractive target for teams looking to strengthen their squads.

The growing number of interested clubs highlights just how highly regarded Engels has become since establishing himself as a key figure for Celtic.

As a result, any club hoping to secure his signature may need to move quickly if they wish to gain an advantage in what is becoming an increasingly competitive race.

Interest Extends Beyond England

The midfielder’s reputation is not only attracting attention from within England.

Reports have also linked Italian champions Napoli with a possible move for the Belgian international.

The Serie A giants are said to be keeping a close watch on the situation and are believed to view Engels as a player with the potential to succeed at the highest level of European football.

Interest from a club of Napoli’s stature further underlines the progress the Celtic midfielder has made over the last year.

The possibility of playing Champions League football in Italy could represent an attractive option for the player should he decide to leave Glasgow.

However, Premier League clubs remain hopeful that the lure of English football can help convince Engels to continue his development in England rather than elsewhere in Europe.

Crystal Palace Make Their Move

Crystal Palace have now officially entered the race and are reportedly eager to persuade the midfielder that Selhurst Park is the ideal destination for the next phase of his career.

The Eagles have built a reputation in recent years for recruiting talented young players and providing them with opportunities to develop in the Premier League.

Club officials are believed to see Engels as a player who could fit perfectly into their long-term plans.

With Palace looking to strengthen their midfield options, the Belgian is understood to be among the names being seriously considered as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The South London side are expected to present a strong case to the player should formal discussions progress in the coming weeks.

Their challenge, however, will be overcoming competition from several clubs who are equally determined to secure the Celtic midfielder’s signature.

Nottingham Forest Remain Strong Contenders

While Crystal Palace have entered the picture, Nottingham Forest remain firmly involved in the pursuit.

Forest have been linked with Engels for some time and are reportedly preparing to renew their efforts after failing to complete a deal earlier in the year.

The City Ground club are believed to view the Belgian as an ideal replacement for Elliot Anderson should the midfielder leave during the summer transfer window.

Forest’s recruitment team have reportedly admired Engels for several months and continue to see him as a player capable of making an immediate impact in the Premier League.

Because of that, they are expected to remain active participants in the race and could emerge as one of Palace’s biggest rivals for the Celtic star.

Their long-standing interest may also provide them with an advantage as they seek to convince the player of their vision and plans.

Transfer Journalist Provides Update

Transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri recently provided an update on the situation, confirming that both Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest are actively pursuing the midfielder.

According to Tavolieri, Forest regard Engels as the ideal profile to fill any potential gap created by the departure of Elliot Anderson and are looking to revive their interest after a previous attempt in January.

At the same time, Crystal Palace are working hard to persuade the Belgian international that a move to Selhurst Park would be the best option available to him.

The journalist indicated that Palace are eager to win the battle for his signature and are determined to move ahead of Forest in the race.

His comments have added further fuel to speculation that the midfielder could become one of the most talked-about transfer stories of the summer.

Celtic Face Important Decision

For Celtic, the growing interest in Engels represents both a compliment and a potential challenge.

The club have benefited significantly from his performances and will be reluctant to lose a player who remains one of the brightest young talents in their squad.

At the same time, sustained interest from Premier League clubs and European heavyweights could eventually test Celtic’s resolve.

As the transfer window progresses, attention will remain firmly focused on Engels and whether he chooses to continue his career in Glasgow or pursue a new opportunity elsewhere.

For now, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Sunderland, Fulham and Napoli all remain interested observers, with the race for one of Celtic’s most valuable assets showing no signs of slowing down.