Celtic's Arne Engels Set to Join West Ham Amid Injury Concerns

Arne Engels has reached an agreement for a five-year contract worth £22 million with West Ham, while Celtic defender Alistair Johnston will be sidelined for several weeks due to injury. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill expressed disappointment over Engels' departure but acknowledged the player's desire to move to English football.

The transfer comes after Celtic rejected a £25 million offer from Nottingham Forest earlier in the year. O'Neill noted that Engels was eager for the opportunity, especially following Johnston's injury during a recent match against Kilmarnock.

Johnston's injury occurred just as Celtic prepares for their Champions League play-off against LASK next week. O'Neill mentioned that Johnston's recovery will extend past the transfer deadline, but he is expected to return soon. Additionally, Celtic has recently signed winger Haissem Hassan and midfielder Mika Baur, with O'Neill anticipating further additions to the squad.