Celtic sealed a club record deal to sign Arne Engels this week.
Arne Engels, the next Celtic star, will take over for Matt O’Riley, who left for Brighton & Hove Albion for a Scottish record £25 million.
The Belgian also has the extra pressure of becoming Celtic’s most expensive footballer, costing £11 million, but he says he is ready to face Old Firm rivals Rangers this weekend.
In his first interview with Celtic TV, the 20-year-old stated that he can’t wait to get started and hopes to make the starting lineup. He said, “I hope so. It is the manager’s decision, so I will consider it, but I am always prepared, so we will see.
“The club and manager’s trust in me is really appreciated, and it’s a pleasant experience. It’s also an extra point, so it’s always lovely to hear it from such an excellent boss.
“Celtic has a style that suits me very well, which is one of the reasons I wanted to join this huge club. It will be incredible to create a lot of chances and gain a lot of possession in games. It’s a fresh experience, so it’ll be incredibly enjoyable.”
Engels arrives after a great season at Augsburg, where he scored three goals and assisted twice in the Bundesliga while also developing as a vital player for Belgium’s U21 team.
The 20-year-old was one of three deadline signings at Parkhead, with Sheffield United defender Auston Trusty and Dundee playmaker Luke McCowan.
Celtic are aiming for a fourth consecutive title defence and have a fantastic opportunity to take command of the title race when they host Rangers in this weekend’s marquee match.
Philippe Clement believes that the Rangers have ‘quality to challenge’ Celtic.
Clement strengthened his squad with deadline-day additions Nedim Bajrami and Neraysho Kasanwirjo
Rangers manager Philippe Clement believes his “young and exciting” group can compete with Celtic’s established side on Sunday, while acknowledging that his “massive rebuild” will take longer than a single transfer window.
Clement strengthened his squad with deadline-day additions Nedim Bajrami and Neraysho Kasanwirjo, claiming that the narrative surrounding his team had been unduly negative.
The Belgian believes many underestimated the club’s task this summer, with six players going for free at the end of their contracts, following the departures of Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent the year before.
“It’s been really busy months and weeks,” he told me. “I mentioned it at the end of last season: it was the end of a cycle at the club. I don’t think everyone understood exactly what I was talking about.
“The squad included many players over the age of 30 who were no longer progressing, as well as players nearing the end of their contracts who were about to leave.
“We have 16 players from last season’s roster who are no longer with us, and those who are not practicing with the squad may potentially leave the club. So that’s a lot; it’s definitely the end of a cycle, and we also have
Clement discussed a four-layered approach to rebuilding: signing experienced players like Vaclav Cerny, Robin Propper, and Bajrami; “high-potential” young players like Connor Barron and Jefte who can make an immediate impact; “young potentials” who will benefit the club in the long run; and giving academy players more opportunities.
He went on to say, “Of course, the more money that comes into a club, the more you can spend.” So it hasn’t been much because of the legacy and contracts of the past.
“So we had to work that way, and we knew. And it is critical to utilize the word ‘we’. That means the board, me, and recruitment. We understood it would take time and was unlikely to be completed in a single transfer window, despite everyone’s best efforts.
“A lot has already been done, but it is not just short-term; it is long-term. If we went short-term, it would have cost more money, which was not feasible. And we must build value for the future.
“I believe everyone together found young, exciting talent and it’s about now working hard to develop them while keeping an experienced core that can guide them on and off the pitch.”
Clement believes a 6-0 victory over Ross County at temporary home Hampden Park last weekend shows that many have been overly gloomy about their chances.
“I think because of a lot of situations there’s been a negative perception around the club, the stadium, elimination from the Champions League,” according to him.
“People tend to forget what is going well. Last week, we won 6-0, although it could have been more. So it isn’t all horrible.
“This is an exciting project with an exciting team right now. It’s not the finished item, and I know we’ll be playing against a team with a lot of experience who’ve been playing together for a long time.
“We are a young, energetic team looking to challenge that right now. But I believe we can contest it and go all in for the three points.”
Albania midfielder Bajrami will not be completely registered in time to face Celtic, and versatile on-loan Feyenoord defender Kasanwirjo is unlikely to play after just one training session. However, except Ridvan Yilmaz, Clement has a fully fit team.
Leave a Reply