Born in Belgium on 8 September 2003, Arne Engels is an engaging central midfielder whose talents lend him to his primary employment with Celtic Football Club. The 21-year-old player stands tall on the field at 6ft (1.84m) and holds a robust weight of 11st 2lb (71kg). Engels sports the number 27 jersey at Celtic, a club he's evidently represented with fervour and grit. Additionally, Engels' skillset in midfield has not gone unnoticed in his native Belgium, leading to him earning caps for their national team.
Engels has carved out quite a name for himself, as reflected through the market valuation of approximately £9.5m as suggested by Transfermarkt. His contract, which ties him to Celtic until 30th June 2028, entails that the club can expect this player's services for an estimated time span of three years and four months.
Engels got a taste for professional football as a trainee at Club NXT in the Belgian Challenger Pro League, which he joined in July 2015. His progress led him to switch to Augsburg in the German Bundesliga in January 2023, with roughly £100k changing hands in the process. He did not fail to live up to their expectations; his debut season at Augsburg encompassed 18 first-team appearances in league matches. By his second season in 2023-24, Engels amplified his performances to 32 first-team appearances, with an added spark of three goals scored.
Still on the move in his career, Engels found a new home in Scotland when he transferred to Celtic in the Scottish Premiership in August 2024. The sum agreed upon was an impressive £11m, a testimony to his worth. Being a key player in the 2024-25 season, Engels marked 26 first-team appearances with nine goals.
The same season saw him adorn various stages with his representation. He played in the League Cup for Celtic with one start and two appearances as a substitute. The Scottish cup saw his entry in the field twice and as a substitute once. UEFA U21 Championship Qualifiers gave him a chance to represent Belgium where he made six starts, scoring two goals. Lastly, he participated in the Champions League, scoring once over nine starts and one substitute appearance.
Over two scintillating seasons at Celtic, the name Arne Engels rings familiar with the fans. His market valuation, performances and our expectations bode well for the future. And I, for one, can't wait to pen more lines for this promising lad from Belgium.
