Crystal Palace are working to sign a new centre-midfielder after appointing Pierre Sage.
With some doubts over the future of Adam Wharton amid interest from Liverpool – and also with Daichi Kamada yet to sign a new deal – Crystal Palace need reinforcements in that area.
Talks have been held with Middlesbrough over a deal for Hayden Hackney – but Sacha Tavolieri now claims that the UEFA Conference League winners are aiming to sign Arne Engels from Celtic.
As the Eagles attempt to beat Nottingham Forest to the Belgian, here is all you need to know about what the 22-year-old could bring to Selhurst Park.
Initial thoughts on Pierre Sage? 🤔
He can boast a 67.5% win ratio from 40 games at RC Lens 😍
Meet Arne Engels: The Belgium international entrusted to take Celtic’s penalties
Engels moved to the United Kingdom back in August 2024 after Celtic agreed to pay a club-record fee of £11m to take the midfielder from Augsburg.
Since then, the man born in Opwijk has become a full Belgium international, as well as a two-time Scottish champion with Celtic.
Engels has also won the Scottish Cup – as well as two Scottish League Cups – and become the designated penalty taker for the Hoops.
Capable of playing in central midfield, as a defensive midfielder or even on the right of defence, the Club Brugge academy graduate would offer Sage plenty of versatility if a move to Crystal Palace materialised.
The Celtic No.27 is quite capable in the final third as well, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists in 46 appearances across all competitions last season.
Engels could – however – cost Crystal Palace a fee north of £25m.
Nottingham Forest saw a £25m bid rejected by Celtic back in February, and the Scottish giants are in a fairly comfortable position given the fact he still has a contract running until July 2028.
Whether this is just a ploy to force Middlesbrough’s hand in talks over Hackney remains to be seen, but if Matt Hobbs can pull off a deal for Engels, he would be an exciting addition when you consider all of the above.
Who is your DREAM signing? ⭐️
- Full name: Arne Engels
- Age: 22
- Date of birth: 8 September 2003
- Height: 1.84m (6ft)
- Nationality: Belgium
- Place of birth: Opwijk
- Club: Celtic
- Position: Midfielder
