The transfer window always delivers a few unexpected twists, and Celtic supporters certainly experienced that with Arne Engels.
Much of the discussion had centred on who Celtic might bring in before the January transfer window closes on Monday night.
However, reports then surfaced that Nottingham Forest were keen to sign Engels ahead of the deadline, going as far as submitting a bid of ‘£17.3 million’ from the English Premier League club.
Considering Celtic paid £11 million for Engels, a club-record fee, that is a substantial offer to knock back, and it now appears Nottingham Forest will be turning their focus to other targets.
Nottingham Forest move for Hayden Hackney after Arne Engels bids
Perhaps the clearest sign that Forest won’t return for Engels is the latest news surrounding Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.
The England U21 international fits a similar mould to Engels — a powerful number eight who enjoys getting up and down the pitch and is capable of covering huge areas of ground.
Sky Sports News are now reporting that Forest have had an approach for Hackney ‘rejected’ by Boro, with the Championship side said to ‘don’t want to sell the midfielder late in this window.
Writing on the wall for Engels at Celtic?
Given the financial gap between Scottish and English football, it is significant that Celtic are turning down offers of that size, but it feels like the correct decision.
Yes, Engels splits opinion, and some fans would have been content to accept such a bid for the player.
However, selling him this late in the window, especially with Martin O’Neill in the midst of a rebuild, simply isn’t an option.
What it likely does suggest is that, come the summer, Engels could be heading for the exit. If Premier League clubs are prepared to put that level of money on the table now, it stands to reason that interest will only grow in the next window.
That may be the point when the Scottish champions have little alternative but to cash in on Engels, bank a sizeable fee, and reinvest it to strengthen the squad.