Celtic and West Ham have reached an agreement for a £22 million transfer of Arne Engels.

Celtic could be on the verge of losing midfielder Arne Engels to West Ham United after a report claimed that the two clubs have reached an agreement over a transfer.

The Belgian midfielder has been at the centre of intense speculation throughout the summer, with West Ham repeatedly linked with a move for the 24-year-old.

9th August 2026; Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Arne Engels of Celtic

Now, according to West Ham insider ExWHUEmployee, negotiations may have finally reached a breakthrough, with an agreement reportedly reached between the Premier League club and Celtic.

The development comes at a particularly important moment for the Scottish champions. Celtic are only days away from facing LASK in the first leg of their Champions League play-off, meaning any decision over Engels’ immediate future could have significant consequences for Martin O’Neill’s team.

West Ham reportedly reach agreement for Engels

9th August 2026; Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Arne Engels of Celtic on the ball

According to the latest report from The West Ham Way, sources close to Celtic have indicated that an agreement has been reached for Engels.

The midfielder’s potential move has been discussed for several weeks, with West Ham understood to have maintained their interest after initially making their intentions known earlier in the summer.

ExWHUEmployee stated that negotiations had been ongoing since June, when the outlet first reported West Ham’s interest in the Celtic midfielder.

He now claims that the process could be approaching its conclusion, with personal terms not expected to create a major obstacle.

The report suggests that the remaining steps could be completed over the coming days, although the transfer has not yet been officially confirmed by either club.

That distinction is particularly important because supporters will understandably be reluctant to consider the deal complete until Celtic and West Ham make formal announcements.

Nevertheless, the latest claim represents a major development in a transfer saga that has dominated discussions surrounding Engels for much of the summer.

Timing creates concern for Celtic supporters

The timing of the reported agreement is likely to worry Celtic fans.

The Hoops are preparing for a crucial Champions League play-off against LASK, with the first leg scheduled to take place at Celtic Park in the coming days.

Engels has remained an important part of O’Neill’s midfield despite the uncertainty surrounding his future. Losing him immediately before such an important European tie would leave Celtic with a difficult decision to make.

The Belgian has been a key contributor since arriving at the club and has continued to feature while West Ham’s interest has developed.

If the reported agreement is accurate, Celtic could therefore have to balance their desire to complete the transfer with their need to field their strongest possible side against LASK.

Champions League qualification carries major sporting and financial importance for Celtic, making the timing of Engels’ possible departure particularly significant.

Reported £22m fee

The transfer fee involved is reportedly expected to be around £22 million.

That would represent a substantial amount for Celtic and would provide the club with considerable funds to reinvest in the squad.

According to ExWHUEmployee, however, the agreement is not necessarily the final stage of the transfer.

The Belgian international is still expected to complete personal terms before undergoing his medical with West Ham.

The report therefore indicates that while the clubs may have reached an agreement, there are still formal steps that must be completed before Engels can officially become a West Ham player.

Personal terms are not believed to have been a major concern during the negotiations, which could mean the final stages progress relatively quickly.

The medical will also be an important part of the process before the transfer can be formally completed.

Celtic’s summer recruitment may have helped

One interesting aspect of the report is the suggestion that Celtic’s own transfer activity could have provided an indication that the club was preparing for Engels’ potential departure.

The Hoops have already been active in the market and recently strengthened their midfield with the signing of Mika Baur.

The German midfielder’s arrival gives O’Neill another option in the centre of the pitch and could potentially help compensate for the loss of Engels.

ExWHUEmployee claimed that Celtic’s willingness to continue signing players was a sign that the club expected West Ham’s latest proposal to be accepted.

That would suggest Celtic have been planning for the possibility of Engels leaving rather than waiting until the last moment to find a replacement.

Baur’s arrival may therefore prove even more significant if Engels completes his move to the London Stadium.

Celtic could still make further additions before the transfer window closes, particularly if the Belgian departs.

Engels’ Celtic future remains uncertain

Despite the latest report, it is important to stress that there has been no official confirmation from Celtic or West Ham that a deal has been completed.

Until both clubs announce the transfer, Engels remains a Celtic player and could still be involved in the Champions League play-off against LASK.

The report does, however, suggest that the situation has moved significantly forward.

After weeks of speculation, West Ham may finally have reached an agreement that allows them to pursue the midfielder’s signature.

For Celtic, the next few days could therefore be decisive.

If personal terms are quickly settled and Engels successfully completes his medical, the Belgian could soon be leaving Glasgow after establishing himself as an important member of O’Neill’s squad.

A major decision for Martin O’Neill

O’Neill could now face a difficult selection and planning decision.

If Engels remains available for the LASK match, Celtic must decide whether to use him despite the possibility that his transfer could be completed shortly afterwards.

The midfielder has continued to contribute on the pitch throughout the summer, meaning his absence could be felt immediately if he is removed from the squad.

On the other hand, Celtic may be reluctant to risk a valuable player if a transfer worth around £22 million is nearing completion.

The club will also need to ensure that the midfield has sufficient depth for the European challenge and the remainder of the domestic campaign.

Baur’s arrival provides some reassurance, but replacing a player of Engels’ quality in such a short period would still be difficult.

Celtic face crucial days ahead

The reported agreement with West Ham has therefore added another layer of intrigue to Celtic’s preparations for their Champions League play-off.

The Hoops have been attempting to strengthen their squad throughout the summer, but they could now find themselves losing one of their established midfielders at precisely the wrong moment.

A £22 million fee would represent significant financial compensation, but the immediate sporting consequences could be just as important.

Celtic must now wait for the next stages of the process, including personal terms and Engels’ medical.

Until those steps are completed and the clubs officially confirm the move, supporters should treat the report as an indication rather than a completed transfer.

If the agreement is ultimately confirmed, however, Celtic will have to move quickly to ensure that O’Neill has enough midfield quality available for the Champions League campaign and the long domestic season ahead.