Arne Engels’ Celtic future comes into focus as Bundesliga giants add midfielder to ‘shortlist’

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Celtic’s record signing Arne Engels could be on his way out of the club as RB Leipzig add the midfielder to their January transfer shortlist.

As well as needing to add new players, Celtic are also exposed to losing some of their top talents in the January window and it appears that Engels is one of them.

Celtic signed Engels for a record £11.5m in the summer of 2023 as Brendan Rodgers looked to make the Hoops a force in Europe again.

Can Celtic afford to sell Arne Engels?

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The Belgian was instrumental in Celtic winning a double in his first season at the club and to almost knocking Bayern Munich out of the Champions League last season.

And now, it appears that RB Leipzig recognise the talented midfielder as they keep a watchful eye over Engels in the transfer window.

• READ MORE: How Celtic used Rangers as bait to try and tempt Michael Noonan to Parkhead

RB Leipzig ‘looking into’ Celtic’s record signing Arne Engels

Engels was brought to Glasgow from the Bundesliga after Rodgers snared him from Augsburg two-and-a-half years ago.

And now, the Celtic midfielder could be on his way back according to Sky Sports’ Philipp Hinze.

Hinze said on X, “If the Reitz deal doesn’t work out: According to Sky reports, RB Leipzig is also looking into Arne Engels & Ardon Jashari.

“RB is exploring several options in central midfield, keeping an eye on the development of both players. Engels & Jashari are on Leipzig’s CM shortlist.

“However, priority is on signing Rocco Reitz, who according to our info has a release clause (25-28 million €). A price that currently exceeds RB’s expectations.

“Leipzig is preparing for a possible free transfer departure of Xaver Schlager. Contract extension talks are ongoing. RB is pushing for a decision still in January.”

What selling Arne Engels would mean for Celtic

At this moment in time, selling Engels would be a terrible move for Celtic and a damaging blow for the club’s title chances.

Celtic lack quality in all areas of the pitch apart from the midfield, which is the strongest part of the first-team.

Losing a player of Engels’ quality will only further weaken Celtic and annoy Martin O’Neill who has continually asked for reinforcements.

The Belgian hasn’t been in the greatest of form this season but he can pull out flashes of genius when required.

Celtic cannot afford to let Engels go, not at least until the summer.