Owen Hargreaves makes another Celtic transfer call after what he told Rio Ferdinand about Bhoys proves true

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Owen Hargreaves doesn’t think Brendan Rodgers will ‘miss’ with Arne Engels’ development after the midfielder arrived for a record Celtic fee this summer.

The Bhoys paid Bundesliga side Augsburg £11m for his signing before last month’s deadline and there’s excitement about what the 20-year-old can offer over the next few years.

It’s a lot of money to invest but Celtic now have a track record of polishing potential into players ready to make an impact at an elite level.

Hargreaves says he saw similar potential in Matt O’Riley years ago and thinks the Bhoys are onto another winner with their latest transfer deal.

Owen Hargreaves talks up Celtic business

The former Bayern Munich star said [The Scottish Sun]: “I said to Rio Ferdinand a few years ago I couldn’t believe nobody had picked up this guy O’Riley. Losing him is a big thing to Celtic, with his goals and assists. It’ll be interesting to see who steps up with that.

“Celtic lose out with O’Riley leaving but financially you gain a lot too. Then it’s up to the clubs to reinvest the money on who they see fit. I’m happy for O’Riley to get an opportunity to go and take that next step. He also probably wants that for his career.

“A player goes and then the young ones have got to step up. You get a chance, you’ve got to take it. But I do think he’s a tough replacement.

“Brendan knows his stuff. He’s not going to miss with Engels when they’ve invested that level of money in him. Celtic have done a good job on transfers.”

Arne Engels set to make first Celtic start soon

Whether it comes against Hearts, Slovan Bratislava or Falkirk, Engels is in line to make his first Celtic start over the next nine days and then fans will really get a sense of what kind of player the club has.

He made a half-hour cameo against Rangers last time out but supporters want to see how he can establish himself in a match.

It’s too much to expect him to make a 2024 O’Riley-style impact straight away. Let’s not forget the Dane had a fair bit of developing of his own to do.

We’ll need patience to help Engels settle into life in Scotland. As Hargreaves says, the chances are that Rodgers will get the best out of the new Belgian cap.