RB Leipzig are reportedly interested in signing Celtic midfielder Arne Engels in this season’s transfer window. The Belgium international joined the Scottish team from Bundesliga side FC Augsburg for a record £11 million in August 2024 and was a mixed bag at Parkhead despite scoring 14 goals and providing 18 assists in 85 appearances in all competitions.
Now, Leipzig, who lost to Celtic in last season’s Champions League, appear to be trying to lure him back to Germany. Sky Germany suggests that if Engels fails to sign Borussia Mochengladbach’s Rocco Reitz, he could be on the radar of Leipzig along with Milan’s Aldon Jashari.
This comes as Leipzig aim to strengthen their midfield following rumors of mutual termination of Austrian international Xaver Schlager’s contract. With just two weeks left in the January transfer window, Celtic caretaker manager Martin O’Neill knows new signings could be crucial to his side’s Premiership title defense.
O’Neill is set to hold a crucial transfer meeting with the Celtic board at Lennox Town as he looks to step up his recruitment drive.
The Hoops are in dire need of strengthening their attacking options and have been linked with a number of players. It is reported that a loan move for Lorient’s Mohamed Bamba is likely, but it appears they have missed out on Franco Kovacevic, who is expected to join Robbie Keane’s Ferencvaros.
Celtic had expressed an interest in West Ham’s veteran striker Callum Wilson, but after scoring a decisive goal against local rivals Tottenham, the England international looks likely to remain in East London for the rest of the season.
Evan Ferguson’s potential contract has also hit a snag, with Roma showing renewed confidence in the struggling forward amid rumors his loan from Brighton could be terminated early.
