The Arne Engels to Lazio link has quickly become the headline, but it does not reflect where Celtic’s real decision sits.
The noise around a potential move away from Celtic to Italy has grown, yet it is not the strongest story in this current transfer saga with Engels.
Celtic have already faced bids for Engels, and that is what will define what happens next.
The Lazio angle may dominate attention, but it does not carry the same weight as what has already taken place.
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Who you picking and why, Celtic fans…
McGeady explains what really happens when Celtic interest becomes real
Aiden McGeady addressed the wider situation directly when discussing the transfer process at Celtic on Go Radio Football Show.
The former Celtic winger said, “I think it would be surprising if he ends up staying at Celtic, because I think Celtic have always been known as a selling club, a developing club.
“Most players they try to bring in are rough diamonds, it doesn’t always work out, but they have a track record of bringing in players, giving them a platform and selling them on.
“I think it was surprising that Celtic turned down the reported bid in January from Nottingham Forest, it went up to £20million-£25million, to turn that down – you are turning down a good chunk of profit for a player a lot of people thought was overpriced to start with.
“I’d be surprised if a big offer comes in and it’s not accepted, it always boils down to you have got a player there. See when interest comes, but when a bid comes in and there is interest, the player has already spoken to the team.
“The player has already spoken to the team and given the green light, so after that it’s down to the clubs to negotiate a fee.
“I would be surprised if he is still there next season. Technically all round I think he is a good player, but I think Celtic could lose him and be OK.”
That insight does not point to Lazio specifically, but it explains how quickly situations can develop once serious interest becomes concrete.
The real story is not the Engels to Lazio one, but whether the next offer reaches the level Celtic already turned down.
Celtic have already shown they will wait once, but the next decision will define whether that stance holds or changes.
Celtic already dealt with the Arne Engels situation before Lazio
Celtic rejected £20m upfront with £5m in add-ons during the January window, a level of offer that would normally force a sale.
That decision came before the current Lazio link, which has been described as ‘fairly tenuous’ in comparison to more concrete interest.
There is already interest in England and abroad, which better reflects Engels’ status as a current Belgian international.
Celtic were able to hold that position because the player himself never complained at all, despite the clear financial pull of earning more money elsewhere.
That stability allowed Celtic to stay in control, even as his 12 goal contributions in 38 appearances confirmed why demand continues to build.
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