Celtic told Arne Engels’ transfer value has ‘halved’ from ‘£25m’ because of Hoops teammate

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Many were left surprised when Nottingham Forest were putting in huge bids for Celtic midfielder, Arne Engels.

It then came as an even bigger surprise when Celtic turned down ‘£25 million’ for Engels, who was signed for a club-record transfer of £11 million in 2024.

Given Engels’ mixed performances for Celtic, many are questioning why Forest, who are managed by Sean Dyche and are in the Europa League with the Hoops, would put down such money for the midfielder.

The Open Goal panel pointed towards the 22-year-old’s set-plays, but Ross McCormack thinks that might already be working against him.

• READ MORE: Celtic told they should have signed Motherwell’s ‘Player of the Year’ ahead of Tawanda Maswanhise

Kieran Tierney halving Arne Engels ‘£25m’ transfer value

The Open Goal panel expressed their shock at Celtic turning down £25 million for Engels, with suggestions that his dead-ball ability is a reason why he is wanted so much.

But McCormack thinks Engels’ value will be ‘halved’ by the time the transfer window re-opens in the summer because Kieran Tierney is now taking Celtic’s inswingers.

As a result, Engels is only taking ‘half’ of the set-plays, and McCormack is adamant that it will affect his transfer price.

Ross McCormack: “I think they look at stats. Things like when he takes his delivery in the box. What percentage of first contact?”

Andy Halliday: “His set-play delivery is unbelievable.”

McCormack: “If that’s what it’s for. You look at the last couple of games, his value is going to be halved because Tierney is taking inswingers. He is only taking half of the corners now.”

Si Ferry: “That’s true. O’Riley went for £25 million, and he was a superstar.”

Sean Dyche’s fight to keep Nottingham Forest job amid Engels interest

You suspect this Engels noise from January just probably increases his chances of leaving in the summer.

Perhaps Reo Hatate was most likely to leave from all of the midfielders, and whilst that might still happen, you surely can’t rule out Engels, especially if big money is put on the table again.

What also needs to be factored in is, will Forest come knocking again? Perhaps all will depend on Dyche’s future at the City Ground.

Forest are hovering above the Premier League’s relegation, looking to maintain their top-flight status, and there is a lot of pressure on Dyche’s shoulders.

If he stays beyond this season, then it’s one to watch out for, that’s for sure.