Martin O’Neill Responds to Arne Engels Bid Claims

Martin O’Neill has played down reports suggesting Nottingham Forest have made a fresh move for Celtic midfielder Arne Engels.

The Belgian has been linked with another switch to the Premier League after Forest made several attempts to sign him earlier this year.

Celtic rejected those approaches during the January window, with the final package reportedly worth up to £25million.

Fresh speculation has now claimed another offer could be on the table, but O’Neill says he has not been informed of any new bid.

Speaking to the Daily Record, he said: “No, I haven’t heard that. I would have heard that by now. It’s not to say that there might be, but I don’t know.”

O’Neill’s answer does not completely rule out contact taking place behind the scenes, but it makes clear that no fresh proposal has reached him.

Celtic midfielder Arne Engels
23rd May 2026; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Cup Final Football, Celtic versus Dunfermline; Celtic interim coach Mark Fotheringham and Arne Engels of Celtic

Engels remains one of Celtic’s most valuable players and would be expected to attract further interest after his performances in Glasgow.

Nottingham Forest’s previous pursuit also means any new link involving the Premier League club is likely to draw attention.

The timing of a possible offer would be different from January, when Celtic had little opportunity to find a replacement before the window closed.

There is still plenty of time left in the summer market, but the Hoops would require a major fee before considering the sale of the 22-year-old.

Engels is under contract until 2028, leaving Celtic in a strong position during any negotiations.

His departure would also create another important gap in O’Neill’s squad at a time when recruitment is already a major talking point.

Martin O’Neill Responds to Arne Engels Bid Claims
3rd May 2026; Easter Road, Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Hibernian versus Celtic; Arne Engels of Celtic challenges Miguel Chaiwa of Hibernian

Celtic are preparing for the start of the domestic season and an early Champions League qualifier, making it vital that any major outgoing is properly replaced.

For now, the strongest public update is that O’Neill knows nothing about a renewed Forest bid.

That could change quickly if interest develops, but the manager’s comments weaken suggestions that a new offer is already being considered by Celtic.

Breaking news