Arne Engels targeted for a Celtic exit as £11m midfielder edges closer to a dramatic Bundesliga return

Celtic midfielder Arne Engels has reportedly emerged as a potential transfer target for RB Leipzig as the January window edges toward its conclusion, sparking fresh speculation over his future at Parkhead.

The Belgian international only joined Celtic last summer after the Scottish champions shattered their transfer record to land him from Bundesliga outfit FC Augsburg in an £11 million deal. Despite arriving with high expectations, the 22-year-old has endured a mixed reception from sections of the Celtic support. While his overall numbers are respectable — contributing 14 goals and 18 assists across 85 appearances in all competitions — some fans have remained unconvinced by his consistency and influence in key moments.

Now, interest from Germany has surfaced, with Sky Germany reporting that Leipzig are monitoring Engels closely as they assess midfield reinforcements this month. The Bundesliga club, whom Celtic famously defeated in last season’s Champions League group stage, are understood to be weighing up several options as they reshape their squad. Engels is said to be on a shortlist that also includes AC Milan midfielder Ardon Jashari.

However, any move for Engels is not yet a priority. According to the report, Leipzig will only pursue either Engels or Jashari if they fail in their efforts to secure Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Rocco Reitz, who remains their preferred target. That caveat suggests Celtic are not under immediate pressure to sell, though the situation could evolve quickly as the window progresses.

Leipzig’s interest comes amid uncertainty surrounding Austrian international Xaver Schlager, whose contract is reportedly set to be mutually terminated. His likely departure has prompted the club to explore new midfield options, and Engels’ previous experience in Germany makes him an attractive and low-risk profile should Leipzig need to act swiftly.

Back in Glasgow, Celtic’s focus remains firmly on strengthening rather than weakening their squad. With just two weeks left in the transfer window, interim manager Martin O’Neill is acutely aware that the club’s hopes of retaining the Premiership title may depend on decisive recruitment. It has been reported that O’Neill is scheduled to hold a high-level meeting with Celtic’s hierarchy at Lennoxtown as part of a critical transfer summit aimed at accelerating incoming business.

The Hoops are widely believed to be prioritising attacking reinforcements, particularly in the final third, where depth and consistency have been lacking. Celtic have been linked with numerous forwards in recent weeks, highlighting the urgency surrounding their recruitment plans.

Among those linked is Lorient striker Mohamed Bamba, for whom Celtic are said to have submitted a loan offer. However, the club appear to have missed out on another reported target, Franko Kovacevic, who is expected to complete a move to Ferencváros under the guidance of Robbie Keane.

Celtic have also explored more experienced options. An enquiry was made for West Ham striker Callum Wilson, but that deal now looks unlikely after the England international scored a vital winner against Tottenham, seemingly securing his place at the London Stadium for the remainder of the season.

Elsewhere, speculation around Evan Ferguson has cooled. The Roma forward, currently on loan from Brighton, had been mentioned as a possible option for Celtic, but his parent club have since given him renewed backing, with suggestions that his loan will not be cut short.

As things stand, Engels’ situation remains one to watch rather than a cause for immediate concern among the Celtic support. While interest from Leipzig adds an intriguing subplot to the January window, Celtic’s priority is firmly on bringing players in rather than sanctioning high-profile departures. With domestic and European ambitions still very much alive, the coming days could prove decisive for both Engels’ future and the club’s broader transfer strategy.

Post-split Premiership chaos looms as Rangers, Celtic and Hearts fixture issue sparks controversy

The increasingly tight three-way title battle involving Rangers, Celtic and Hearts has created a major headache for Scottish Premiership organisers, with the prospect of a highly controversial post-split fixture list looming large.

With the league season approaching its traditional split after 33 games, SPFL officials could soon find themselves caught in a logistical nightmare that risks handing a decisive advantage to some clubs while leaving others feeling unfairly treated. If the current league standings remain unchanged through the remaining pre-split fixtures, the imbalance in home and away matches could spark serious frustration, particularly from Rangers.

Martin O’Neill will take on title rivals Hearts and Rangers at home after the splitCredit: Alamy Live News.

Neil Doncaster and his fellow league bosses could have a major dilemma on their hands

Under the current structure, Celtic are on course to benefit significantly from how the fixtures fall. The reigning champions are set to host both Rangers and Hearts at Celtic Park in the final five games of the season, a scenario that would hand them a considerable edge in a title race that is likely to be decided by the finest of margins. In contrast, Rangers would be forced to travel to face both of their closest rivals away from home after the split, while Hearts would at least enjoy the comfort of hosting Rangers, despite having to make the daunting trip to Parkhead.

The situation becomes even more complicated when the broader fixture balance across the top six is taken into account. By the time the league divides, Celtic will have played 16 home games and 17 away matches. To complete the season with an even split of 19 home and 19 away fixtures, they would need three home games and two away games in the post-split run-in. Crucially, two of those home matches would already be against Rangers and Hearts.

What makes this particularly contentious is that Celtic will also have already hosted the other top-six sides — Motherwell, Hibernian and Falkirk — twice before the split. That means the system is likely to grant them a third home fixture against one of those teams, rather than forcing another difficult away trip to grounds such as Fir Park or Easter Road, where results are never guaranteed. This quirk of scheduling could offer Celtic a further boost at a critical stage of the season.

Rangers and Hearts, meanwhile, will both reach the split having played 17 matches at home and 16 away. In theory, fairness dictates that each should finish with three away games and two home fixtures in the final five matches. However, achieving that balance without creating further distortions elsewhere is proving extremely difficult.

For Hearts, the challenge is especially complex. By the time the split arrives, they will already have hosted Celtic, Motherwell, Hibs and Falkirk twice. To avoid giving them an uneven home advantage, SPFL officials may feel compelled to ensure they do not face those sides away for a third time. As a result, Hearts are likely to be scheduled to play Celtic and Hibs away, with their remaining fixtures carefully selected to preserve balance. Even then, some compromises would be unavoidable.

Rangers’ predicament is arguably the most controversial. With away trips to both Celtic and Hearts likely unavoidable, they appear set to face the toughest run-in of the three contenders. Any perception that the Ibrox side has been disadvantaged by the fixture list could provoke strong backlash, particularly given how closely matched the title challengers currently are.

The knock-on effect of these decisions also extends to the rest of the top six. Hibernian, for example, will have hosted Rangers twice before the split but only played Hearts, Celtic, Motherwell and Falkirk once at home. Balancing their post-split schedule without tipping the scales too far in any direction adds yet another layer of complexity to an already fraught situation.

Danny Rohl will have to do things the hard wayCredit: Kenny Ramsay

All of this, of course, depends on the current league positions holding firm over the remaining 11 matches before the split. However, with Falkirk holding a five-point cushion over Dundee United and Aberdeen in the race for sixth place, and the rest of the table looking relatively settled, there is a strong chance that SPFL officials will be forced to confront this dilemma head-on.

Derek McInnes is likely to benefit from an ‘extra’ home fixtureCredit: Steve Welsh/PA Wire

Ultimately, league organisers are once again facing criticism of a split format that regularly produces controversy and claims of unfairness. With the title race shaping up to be one of the closest in recent memory, every perceived advantage or disadvantage will be scrutinised intensely. How the SPFL resolves this fixture puzzle could have a defining impact on who lifts the Premiership trophy — and may reignite calls for a rethink of the league’s structure altogether.

Celtic enter talks for Leeds striker, but Rangers link could complicate deal as Middlesbrough monitors situation.

Martin O’Neill will take on title rivals Hearts and Rangers at home after the splitCredit: Alamy Live News.

Celtic are reportedly in discussions with Leeds United over a potential deal for striker Joel Piroe, though the situation is complicated by the Premier League side’s links to Rangers through shared ownership. The Hoops are keen to strengthen their attacking options under Martin O’Neill, who recently returned as manager, as they look to close the gap on league leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership title race. Currently sitting second, Celtic trail Hearts by six points and view the acquisition of a forward as a key step in their push to regain the top spot.

Leeds United’s 26-year-old Piroe has made only 10 appearances in the Premier League this season, prompting speculation about a move away from Elland Road. Celtic have reportedly entered negotiations with Leeds to secure a loan deal for the Dutch forward during the January window, offering to meet his wage expectations. However, Leeds appear to prefer a permanent transfer in order to maintain compliance with the division’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). While a loan could be feasible, the club’s close ties with Rangers through 49ers Enterprises could complicate any deal with the Scottish champions.

Interest from Middlesbrough adds an extra layer of complexity to Piroe’s future. The Championship side, currently second in the table and challenging for automatic promotion, are monitoring the situation closely. Middlesbrough could have an advantage if Leeds’ affiliation with Rangers proves problematic for Celtic, as Boro would not face the same internal complications in negotiating a transfer. With two points separating them from third-place Ipswich Town, manager Kim Hellberg’s squad is keen to reinforce their attacking options, making Piroe a highly attractive prospect.

From a player’s perspective, Piroe remains in control of his future. Leeds are not forcing the striker out, and he has yet to indicate any desire to leave. Under contract until the summer of 2027, Piroe retains significant transfer value, meaning Leeds could look to monetize the situation if a move is to occur this month. Celtic’s interest, while genuine, could be hampered by the ownership dynamics with Rangers, which may ultimately make Middlesbrough the more straightforward option if a January exit materializes.

The circumstances also reflect Celtic’s broader challenge in securing top-level reinforcements mid-season. O’Neill has been clear about the need to bring in a striker capable of complementing the squad’s current options. While the Hoops have depth, the addition of a forward with Premier League experience like Piroe would provide a significant boost, particularly as Celtic seek to maintain pressure on Hearts and strengthen their position in domestic competition.

On the other hand, Middlesbrough are eyeing the striker for entirely pragmatic reasons. The Championship club is in the thick of the promotion battle and any acquisition of a player like Piroe could have an immediate impact. Leeds’ reluctance to negotiate a loan makes Boro a potentially more viable destination, particularly if Celtic cannot overcome the ownership-related hurdles. Hellberg’s team has the added advantage of being ready to integrate the forward into their campaign without any external complications, which could influence Piroe’s decision if he wants to maximize playing time this season.

Overall, the situation highlights a balancing act between player ambition, club strategy, and ownership interests. Celtic are keen to pursue the Dutch forward and appear willing to meet his financial demands, but Leeds’ preference for a permanent transfer, coupled with the Rangers connection, could hinder negotiations. Middlesbrough, meanwhile, are monitoring the developments carefully and could present a smoother path to first-team football for Piroe.

In the meantime, the player remains in control. With a contract extending through 2027 and a limited role in Leeds’ current campaign, Piroe has the opportunity to consider his options carefully. The January window is a critical period for both Celtic and Middlesbrough, and the next moves by all parties will likely determine where the striker will play for the remainder of the season. If Celtic can navigate the ownership-related challenges and secure the deal, they would gain a proven forward to boost their attacking line. If not, Middlesbrough could capitalize, strengthening their push for promotion with a player of notable Premier League experience.

As the window progresses, all eyes will remain on Piroe, Leeds, Celtic, and Middlesbrough, with the forward’s future remaining one of the more intriguing transfer sagas of the January period.

Martin O’Neill responds to Callum Wilson links with Celtic

Speculation linking Callum Wilson with a potential move to Celtic has been played down by Martin O’Neill, who claims the reports came as a surprise to him.

The West Ham United striker has been widely tipped to be on the lookout for a new club during the current transfer window, with his future at the London Stadium appearing uncertain. Recent reports suggested that Celtic had made an approach to West Ham to explore the possibility of bringing the experienced forward to Glasgow, but O’Neill insists he has no concrete knowledge of any such discussions.

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Wilson, a former England international, has struggled for regular minutes this season and, at 33, is understood to be keen on securing more consistent game time. That situation has naturally fuelled rumours about a possible move away from West Ham, with Celtic among the clubs mentioned as potential suitors as they search for attacking reinforcements.

However, speaking to the media, O’Neill distanced himself from the reports and made it clear that Wilson’s name had not been part of his immediate thinking. Asked directly about the striker, the interim Celtic boss admitted the speculation was new to him.

“I can’t really tell you anything,” O’Neill said. “To be honest, it was actually news to me. We are looking for goals, of course, but that’s hardly unique to Celtic. Every team is searching for reliable goal scorers.”

While he refused to comment on Wilson specifically, O’Neill did stress that Celtic are actively working behind the scenes to strengthen their squad. He suggested that progress is being made, even if he could not offer supporters concrete names or details at this stage.

“I can’t go into specifics,” he added. “But we are making progress. I do think we’re getting closer. We’re definitely nearer now than we were.”

O’Neill also acknowledged the challenges that come with being questioned publicly about transfers while negotiations are ongoing. He admitted that while he enjoys speaking to the media, transfer-related questions can be uncomfortable due to the sensitivity of the process and the timing involved.

“I enjoy the conversations, I really do,” he said. “But I dread the transfer questions because these things don’t usually get resolved straight away. Often it’s not until later in the window, sometimes even the second or third of February.”

Despite that, the veteran manager sounded cautiously optimistic that Celtic supporters would soon see movement in the market. He indicated that the club is hopeful of bringing new players in sooner rather than later, potentially within the next week.

“I would be hoping that by some stage next week we would have people through the door,” O’Neill said, offering reassurance to fans growing impatient for signings.

Addressing Wilson’s situation more generally, O’Neill was quick to praise the striker’s quality, even while distancing Celtic from any firm interest. He described Wilson as a “very fine player” but suggested he had assumed the forward was bound for another destination.

“I hadn’t thought about that move at all,” he said. “Not because he’s not a very good player – he is – but I genuinely thought he was heading elsewhere.”

That assumption may be supported by further reports from the Scottish Sun, which claim that Wilson could be set for a move outside the UK altogether. According to the report, Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab are leading the race to sign the striker and are prepared to offer him a deal that would take him to the Middle East.

If that proves accurate, it would effectively rule out a move to Celtic and underline the competitive nature of the market for experienced forwards. Clubs from wealthier leagues and regions are often able to offer financial packages that Scottish sides struggle to match, particularly for players with Premier League pedigree.

For Celtic, the situation highlights the complexity of their search for attacking options. While the club are clearly prioritising the addition of a striker, they must balance experience, cost, availability, and long-term planning. O’Neill’s comments suggest that, while names like Wilson may be circulating in the media, Celtic’s actual targets may lie elsewhere.

As the transfer window moves into a decisive phase, clarity is expected to arrive quickly. Whether or not Wilson’s future is resolved in the coming days, Celtic fans will be watching closely for tangible progress, hopeful that the club’s pursuit of “elusive goal scorers” finally results in new arrivals before the window closes.