Deadline Day Brinkmanship: Nottingham Forest Test Celtic’s Resolve with £14m Arne Engels Bid
GLASGOW — The final hours of the January 2026 transfer window have taken a dramatic turn for Celtic FC. As the “Hoops” navigate a high-tension three-way battle for the Scottish Premiership title, their resolve is being put to the ultimate test by the Premier League’s financial might. Reports confirmed late Sunday that Nottingham Forest have officially launched a formal £14 million opening bid for Belgian midfield maestro Arne Engels.
The move marks a swift strategic pivot for Forest. After seeing their ambitious pursuit of Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi collapse earlier this weekend, the East Midlands club has wasted no time in identifying a younger, high-upside alternative. However, for Celtic, the timing could not be more treacherous. With the domestic race on a knife-edge and the Green Brigade supporters already protesting the board’s perceived “traitorous” management, the sale of a key starting player could ignite a firestorm at Parkhead.
The Details of the Deal
According to Sky Sports, the £14 million offer represents a slight increase on the £11 million Celtic paid to Augsburg just 18 months ago. While the fee would technically ensure a profit, the optics of the deal are problematic. Engels was signed as a record-breaking “European project” by Brendan Rodgers, intended to elevate the club’s technical floor on the continental stage.
For Nottingham Forest, now under the stewardship of Sean Dyche, the acquisition of Engels is seen as a survival necessity. Forest have suffered a staggering drop-off this term; after securing European football last season, they currently find themselves embroiled in a grueling relegation scrap. Dyche is reportedly desperate to add a “set-piece specialist” to his arsenal—a category where Engels excels. His delivery from corners and free-kicks has been a cornerstone of Celtic’s attacking identity since his arrival.
Engels: The Rising Belgian Star
At 22 years old, Arne Engels has enjoyed a meteoric rise. Since the return of Martin O’Neill to the dugout, Engels has arguably found the best form of his career. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup looming this summer, the midfielder is conscious that playing in the Premier League offers a significantly higher platform to catch the eye of the Belgian national team selectors.
During his 18-month tenure in Glasgow, Engels has established himself as a durable and productive presence:
- Appearances: 88
- Goals: 15
- Key Attribute: Elite dead-ball delivery and progressive passing.
[Table: Recent High-Value Celtic Departures to England]
The potential sale of Engels would follow a familiar, if frustrating, pattern for the Celtic faithful, as the club continues to act as a primary feeder for the English top flight.
| Player | Destination | Fee (Est.) | Status at New Club |
| Matt O’Riley | Brighton | £25m | Regular Starter |
| Odsonne Edouard | Crystal Palace | £14m | Rotation |
| Kristoffer Ajer | Brentford | £13.5m | Key Defender |
| Arne Engels | Nottingham Forest? | £14m (Proposed) | Target |
Recruitment Risks and Fan Animosity
The core of the issue for Celtic lies in the “makeshift” nature of their current recruitment department. If the board decides to bank the £14 million, there are legitimate doubts across Glasgow as to whether a suitable replacement can be identified, scouted, and signed before the 11:00 PM deadline tomorrow.
The Celtic support is already in a state of high alert. Following today’s “Traitors” tifo targeting Michael Nicholson and Chris McKay, the board is under immense pressure to show ambition rather than austerity. Selling a starting midfielder during a title race—and for a profit of only £3 million—would likely be viewed as a surrender of their domestic dominance.
The Sean Dyche Factor
From the Forest perspective, the move makes perfect sense. Sean Dyche’s tactical blueprint relies heavily on midfield discipline and maximizing set-piece efficiency. Engels offers a younger, more dynamic profile than the current options at the City Ground. For a club fighting to avoid the drop, £14 million is a calculated gamble on a player who has already proven he can handle the pressure of a massive club like Celtic.
The Final Decision
As we head into the final 24 hours of the window, the ball is firmly in the court of the Celtic PLC. Do they prioritize the short-term balance sheet, or do they protect the squad for the sake of the Premiership trophy? One thing is certain: Arne Engels’ head has been turned by the bright lights of the Premier League, and Martin O’Neill may face his biggest challenge yet in keeping his star man at Parkhead.