West Ham Signs Arne Engels from Celtic for Record Fee

West Ham United has finalized the signing of midfielder Arne Engels from Celtic for a fee of £22 million, making him the most expensive player in Championship history.

The Belgium international has signed a five-year contract with West Ham, who are gearing up for their first season in the Championship since 2012 after being relegated from the Premier League in May. This transfer fee surpasses the previous record of £17.5 million set by Ipswich Town.

Engels, who has played 100 matches for Celtic, scoring 17 goals and providing 22 assists, will miss the opening match against Burnley but is expected to debut against Charlton Athletic on August 22. West Ham's director of player recruitment expressed confidence in Engels' abilities and experience as the club aims to return to the Premier League.