It was quite the day for Arne Engels as the January transfer window reached its conclusion.
The midfielder had barely left the pitch on Sunday before news emerged that Nottingham Forest had launched a £14 million bid for his services.
By the time he woke up on deadline day, that interest had intensified, with Celtic rejecting an improved £17 million offer from the Premier League side.
At that stage, it appeared Forest were ready to move on to other targets. However, the story did not end there.
Later that afternoon, Forest returned with a significantly increased proposal, believed to be worth up to £25 million. Celtic took time to consider the offer before knocking it back as well, effectively drawing a line under the interest and confirming Engels would remain in Glasgow.
Some supporters suggested the refusal was driven by necessity rather than strategy, with fears Celtic had no viable replacements lined up so late in the window.
That claim has since been challenged.
On CeltsAreHere Extra Time, Mark Hendry reported that the club did, in fact, explore alternatives should the unthinkable happen.
One midfielder at RB Salzburg was considered, while another option was identified at Fiorentina. Most eye-catching of all was an enquiry made for Kalvin Phillips at Manchester City. Celtic asked the question about a potential loan deal, and there was interest from the player’s side, but only if Engels had been sold.
Crucially, Celtic never planned to part with Engels.
The midfielder arrived just 18 months ago in a deal worth around £11 million, and the club remained firm throughout deadline day. With no intention of selling, a move for Phillips was never close to materialising and no contract was put in front of him.
He later joined Sheffield United FC on loan.
Despite the late drama, Celtic held their nerve. Engels stayed put, and the club made it clear that, regardless of the numbers involved, this was one asset they were not prepared to cash in on.
