Sources: Celtic make Engels transfer plan after RB Leipzig swoop

Celtic have no plans to lose Arne Engels before the end of the January transfer window despite interest from multiple clubs including RB Leipzig.

Martin O’Neill views the 22-year-old as an important part of his squad and will need him fit and available if they are to mount a title challenge in the coming months.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, O’Neill is determined to strengthen his squad in January rather than weaken it.

Engels has made 24 appearances for Celtic so far this season and has picked up a combined ten goals and assists in that time, solidifying his importance.

Meanwhile, Celtic paid a club-record £11million to sign him from Augsburg in 2024, and will be looking to make a substantial profit if he is allowed to leave.

Celtic respond to interest in Arne Engels

Reports have previously claimed Engels would treat Celtic as a stepping stone to secure a big move either to the Premier League or another top club in Europe.

Interest from Leipzig would fit that bill, and he could be tempted to make a move back to Germany should they make a formal offer in the near future.

However, Celtic have no plans to let him go as things stand and are putting plans in place to keep him in Glasgow at least until the summer.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “I’d be surprised if Celtic would consider letting Arne Engels go.

“Celtic right now in this transfer window want to strengthen their squad, not weaken it.

“It would have to be a real big money offer to even consider letting him go. We’ve got to remember he was a big money signing when Celtic bought him a couple of years ago.

“I think they paid around £11 million so Celtic won’t want to let him go on the cheap. They’ll be looking at a huge profit on him. There’s been talk of interest from RB Leipzig.

“O’Neill won’t want to weaken his squad any further, he’ll be looking to strengthen the squad

“I think Celtic will be doing everything they can to keep hold of Engels and Martin O’Neill will see him playing a key role for them between now and end of the season.”

Celtic set sights on Andy Robertson deal

Amid plans to keep their best players at the club this month, Celtic are also planning to bolster their squad both immediately and long-term.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider revealed on 20 January that Celtic are interested in signing Andy Robertson from Liverpool.

The 31-year-old is out of contract at Anfield at the end of the season and there is a growing feeling he will be allowed to leave the club for free.

A number of European clubs are believed to be keeping a close eye on his situation as he aims to explore a new challenge away from the Premier League.

This comes after Atletico Madrid were interested in Robertson during the summer, but failed to get a deal over the line before the window closed.

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The post Sources: Celtic make Engels transfer plan after RB Leipzig swoop appeared first on Football Insider.