Manager Martin O’Neill has announced that Celtic turned down an approach from West Ham for midfielder Arne Engels. O’Neill stated that the offer for the 22-year-old Belgian did not come close to the club’s valuation of the player. Additionally, O’Neill revealed that he has been in communication with Everton manager David Moyes regarding interest in 27-year-old Canadian defender Alastair Johnston.
While no formal bid for Johnston has been confirmed yet, O’Neill acknowledged that Moyes reached out to express interest. This follows a previous unsuccessful attempt by Nottingham Forest to sign Engels during the January transfer window. Since arriving at Celtic Park from Augsburg in August 2024, Engels has become a key target for English clubs. Similarly, Johnston has been a vital part of the squad since his 2023 move from Montreal, notably representing Canada at the World Cup.
O’Neill expressed frustration regarding the interest in his players but acknowledged that the allure of top-tier leagues makes retention a constant challenge. He emphasized that while the club’s priority is to keep their core roster together, they must be prepared to seek adequate replacements should departures become inevitable.
