By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
West Ham’s pursuit of Arne Engels may just have received the breakthrough it needed, with Celtic’s latest transfer business potentially opening the door for Nils Koppen to finally land his first-choice midfield target.
Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has revealed that the Glasgow giants have reached an agreement with SC Paderborn to sign 22-year-old midfielder Mika Baur.
The news could have the domino effect of meaning Celtic will now be more inclined to sell young Belgian midfielder Engels to the Hammers.
West Ham are believed to have made two bids for Engels, who is understood to be recruitment director Koppen’s number one choice.
Indeed, West Ham’s interest in the Celtic midfielder has been bubbling away for weeks, with Koppen’s knowledge of Scottish football clearly playing a part in the pursuit.
Koppen’s number one target is Celtic’s Arne Engels
Third West Ham bid expected
At the same time, ExWHUEmployee is reporting that the Hammers are set to launch a third bid for Engels, although it is believed to be less than the £25 million being reported.
Certainly, it would represent good business for Celtic if they can sell one midfielder for around £20 million and then sign another for €8 million.
But West Ham really can’t afford to wait much longer, with the Championship opener against Burnley approaching and still not enough new signings through the door.
Koppen’s interest in Celtic has been evident for some time. As Claret & Hugh previously reported when Reo Hatate emerged as another target, the recruitment director’s knowledge of the Scottish market appears to be having an increasing influence on West Ham’s transfer plans.
| Arne Engels | Key Stat |
|---|---|
| Progressive passes | 181 |
| Progressive passes completed | 131 |
| Shot assists | 1.69 per 90 |
| Recoveries | 231 |
| Counter-pressing recoveries | 138 |
Engels could give West Ham what they’re missing
Engels looks like the sort of midfielder who could add some much-needed creativity and forward momentum to West Ham’s midfield.
The 22-year-old Belgian is comfortable operating centrally but is always looking to move the ball forwards. He can play through the lines, deliver from wide areas and is something of a set-piece specialist, which would surely be a massive help with the likes of Mavropanos and Tomas Soucek attacking corners.
West Ham have waited long enough to get their first-choice midfielder.
If Celtic’s move for Baur really does open the door for Engels, now would be a very good time to walk through it.
We are just one of 3 clubs Gonzo in for him So dont hold your breath
Is Baur like for like? If so why not cut out the middle man and save £17 m.
At the end of the day Celtic are the only SPFL Club that does not need the money, the Club is financially stable.
Once Hassan and Baur have signed on the dotted line, and if Engels is happy to move to West Ham then Celtic will consider a bid in the region of £30m.
I don’t think they will even consider £20m.
Get it done boys !
Bauer is not being brought in to replace Engles entirely different style of player, he is more of a Hatate replacement.
Don’t think Engles will leave before the Champions League tie, and it will be for at least £25m plus add ons