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Published Aug 4, 2026, 5:40 PM GMT+1
Charlie is a football writer and assistant editor on FootballFanCast.com and has worked for the company for a number of years.
He began with Snack Media during his time at UCFB’s Etihad Campus, and after graduating in 2019, has held full-time roles on the Read Network and The Transfer Tavern.
Charlie has covered a variety of sports during his time with the company and has been a correspondent for football clubs both in England and Scotland.
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West Ham United are stepping up their pursuit of Celtic star Arne Engels, with the Hammers determined to land the midfielder after already reaching a verbal agreement with the Belgian.
The Hammers have enjoyed a welcome financial boost this summer despite relegation to the Championship.
They have raised more than £100 million through the high-profile sales of Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville, seemingly giving the club the firepower to pursue a marquee addition capable of leading an immediate promotion push back to the Premier League.
One of those main targets is Engels, who played the entirety of Celtic's 1-0 win over Dundee on Monday evening.
|
Minutes played |
90 |
Completed the match despite continued speculation over a move to West Ham. |
|
Shots |
2 |
Offered a threat from midfield and went close with a header inside the penalty area. |
|
Shots on target |
1 |
Forced Dundee to defend him as an additional attacking presence arriving from deep. |
|
Key passes |
1 |
Created one shooting opportunity. |
|
Tackles |
1 |
Contributed defensively alongside Callum McGregor in Celtic’s midfield. |
|
Fouls won |
1 |
Used his strength and control to protect possession. |
|
Fouls committed |
3 |
Committed more fouls than any other Celtic player, highlighting his aggressive approach without the ball. |
|
Times dispossessed |
1 |
Generally retained possession well despite Dundee’s midfield press. |
|
Yellow cards |
1 |
Booked in second-half stoppage time following a foul. |
West Ham have already reached an agreement in principle with the 22-year-old over a London Stadium contract, with Celtic holding out for a fee in the region of £25 million.
Now, the Hammers have intensified their efforts.
West Ham "stepping up" chase to sign Engels
According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, West Ham have submitted two offers for Engels and are "stepping up" their pursuit with Celtic.
Plettenberg reinforces the fact that Engels has verbally committed to West Ham on a five-year deal, and is now waiting to get the green light to travel south.
It's easy to understand why Nuno Espirito Santo and the Irons are pushing hard to sign the Hoops ace. Engels enjoyed another outstanding campaign at Celtic, registering 10 goals and 14 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions while becoming one of Brendan Rodgers' most influential midfielders.
The Belgian's all-action style could make him a standout performer in the Championship, especially given he has also received Premier League interest in 2026.
Comfortable carrying the ball through midfield, creating chances and arriving late in the penalty area, Engels could thrive in England's second tier. His versatility would also allow Nuno to use him as a box-to-box midfielder, an advanced No.8 or even in a deeper playmaking role depending on the opposition.
Former Scotland international James McFadden has described Engels as a "class act", and with personal terms agreed and West Ham continuing to negotiate with Celtic, the deal now hinges on the two clubs finding common ground over a transfer fee, potentially with a third and final offer from those in London.
Should that happen, Engels could become the marquee midfield signing West Ham have been searching for ahead of their second tier season opener against Burnley.
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