Nottingham Forest Makes Third Bid for Celtic Midfielder Arne Engels

Nottingham Forest has submitted a third bid for Celtic midfielder Arne Engels, estimated to be worth up to £25 million.

The English Premier League club’s initial offer of £14 million for the 22-year-old Belgian international was rejected, followed by an improved bid of £17 million, which was also turned down. Sources indicate that Forest’s most recent proposal remains below Celtic’s valuation of the player.

Engels joined Celtic from German club Augsburg in August 2024 for a fee of £11 million. Since his arrival, he has made 89 appearances across all competitions for the Glasgow club, contributing to their success in winning the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish League Cup last season.

In response to inquiries about Forest’s interest in Engels, Celtic’s interim manager Martin O’Neill stated, “Honestly, I am telling you, I didn’t know anything about it. If they have, then they must have done it during the game. And I would want it rebuffed, unless it was £100 million. Then I think the board would step in there. No, absolutely, I would rather keep him.”

Both Celtic, who O’Neill mentioned are close to making two signings, and Nottingham Forest are currently participating in the Europa League play-offs this month. At present, Celtic sits second in the Premiership, trailing leaders Hearts by six points, while Forest is positioned 17th in the Premier League.

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