Celtic’s decision to break their transfer record by signing 20-year-old Belgian under-21 international Arne Engels for £11 million is a significant statement of intent from the club.
Celtic has always been a club with a rich history, steeped in tradition, and backed by a passionate fan base. However, the modern football landscape demands more than just heritage; it requires forward-thinking, strategic investment, particularly in emerging talent. By securing the services of Arne Engels, a player widely regarded as one of Belgium’s brightest young prospects, Celtic are making a bold declaration that they are not content with just dominating Scottish football—they are aiming to make their mark on the European stage.
Engels, known for his versatility, technical ability, and mature understanding of the game, has been closely watched by several top clubs across Europe. His performances at the under-21 level for Belgium have caught the attention of scouts and analysts, making him a sought-after player. For Celtic to outmanoeuvre other suitors and secure Engels at such a young age indicates the club’s serious commitment to building a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
Brendan Rodgers’ return to Celtic was always going to come with high expectations given his perfect record of domestic trophies from his first spell. However, to compete with the best in Europe and continue Celtic’s dominance in Scotland, Rodgers knew that he needed not only tactical flexibility and experience but also substantial backing in the transfer market.
The acquisition of Arne Engels is a clear message from the Celtic board that they are fully behind Rodgers. Breaking the club’s transfer record to bring in a young, unproven talent is not just a financial risk; it is a leap of faith in Rodgers’ vision for the club. It shows that the board trusts Rodgers to identify and develop the right players who can fit into his system and contribute to the team’s success.
Rodgers has a track record of nurturing young talent, turning them into key players and sometimes even world-class stars. His ability to develop players like Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling during his time at Liverpool is well-documented. In his first spell at Celtic, he transformed players like Kieran Tierney and Moussa Dembélé into stars who commanded significant transfer fees when they moved on to bigger leagues. Engels could be the next in line, and Rodgers’ ability to develop his potential will be crucial.
This transfer also serves as a warning to Celtic’s domestic and European rivals. By smashing their transfer record, Celtic are signalling that they are prepared to compete financially, something that has not always been their hallmark. In the often financially constrained environment of Scottish football, this kind of investment is rare and will undoubtedly raise eyebrows across the league.
For the other Scottish clubs, this is a reminder that Celtic are not resting on their laurels. For clubs in Europe, it is a statement that Celtic are no longer just looking to participate in competitions like the Champions League—they want to compete.
Furthermore, this signing shows that Celtic are willing to invest in youth, trust in their manager’s vision, and are determined to compete not just in Scotland but across Europe. For the fans, the club, and Rodgers, this is an exciting time, one that could see Celtic continue to build upon an unprecedented era of success that the club has experienced since 2012.
Featured image: FC Augsburg
Callum McFadden 
brilliant Callum, well made points.