Arne Engels gives his first interview on joining West Ham for a EFL record fee of £22m, on a 5 year contract with option of further year.
He leaves Celtic, having producing 17 goals, 22 assists across 100 appearances, and won back-to-back league titles with, as well as the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup in his two seasons with the club.
Engels had been linked with a move to Nottingham Forest during the 2026 January transfer window, Forest had a number of bids turned down, including a joint Scottish record bid of £25m.
Welcome to the family, Arne ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/CLJt4wiuZJ
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 15, 2026
Arne Engels spoke to the club’s media…
Interviewer: Arne Engels, welcome to West Ham. How does it feel to be a Hammer?
Arne: “Yeah, it feels amazing finally to be here, so I’m really happy, I’m delighted to be here and I can’t wait to get started.”
Interviewer: You’ve signed a long-term contract, so what are your ambitions for your time with us?
Arne: “I mean, like everybody else, it’s this year just going back to the Premier League. I think this Club deserves to be there with all that pride that they have, so I’m really looking forward to the challenge. It’s going to be a hard and difficult one, but I think and I hope everybody is ready for it and I think we can achieve some really nice goals together. So I hope it will be good.”
Interviewer: Nils Koppen and Nuno have been chasing you for a long time, as they identified you as a really key target for the Club. What did they tell you about the project?
Arne: “I mean, just everything. It’s a really nice project to come into and to go back to the Premier League. That’s the big goal. I think that’s everybody’s goal and it’s just up to me to hopefully help the team with it and together with the supporters to get some wins. Hopefully, we’ll see that it’s going to be a good year then and I’m looking forward to the next ones.”
Interviewer: Did the discussions you had with Nils and Nuno make the decision easier to join us?
Arne: “Yes, it made it much easier. I had really good conversations with Nils. We knew each other from way back, so it was nice to meet him finally today. They were good conversations, it was really nice to hear everything from him and also just that they are really motivated in getting me here.”
Interviewer: You’re only 22, but we looked at your career, individually and in the teams that you’ve been with and you have had so much success already. What’s the secret?
Arne: “There’s nothing really special about it. I think I’m a really hard worker and I’m just trying to get my pathway to the top. This is a beautiful Club, so I think I’m on the right track. I already have a lot of games in my pocket, so hopefully I will get some more.”
Interviewer: You started at Club Brugge. We’re known in England as having a great Academy, and it’s so important that you get a good grounding as a young player, and we know Brugge also has a great Academy?
Arne: “Yes, it’s a really great Academy. I was there from when I was 12 until I was 18. It’s been a lovely time there and I think that really shaped me as a player and as a human being. Not only going there, also in boarding school and just training there was fantastic. They had really great facilities, so I’ve only really good words to say about Club Brugge.”
Interviewer: You’ve played, scored and assisted in big pressure games for Celtic and Augsburg, and even before that at Club Brugge in the UEFA Youth League, and you’ve stepped up so many times. So, you’re obviously a big player for the big occasion?
Arne: “I mean, it’s not always easy, but I always try to do my best for the team and, like you said, it’s really nice to get some goals or assists to help the team in big occasions. So, I think I’m really good under stress. That makes me a better player, so I can’t wait to play in front of 60,000 Hammers!”
Interviewer: We looked at the analytics and it looks like every position and everything that you do is a strength, whether it be creating chances, defensive work, your ability to get around the field so, in your own words, how would you like to describe yourself as a player?
Arne: “I would describe myself as a really hard-working player who does everything for the team and tries my best every game. I also try to attack a lot and try to contribute goals and assists, but especially I just to try to help the team make it better and win games, because that’s what it’s all about, just winning games. That’s what I love to do and that’s what I hopefully will do here.”
Interviewer: You mentioned the 60,000 fans in London Stadium, and 50,000 of them have Season Tickets. You’ve just come from Celtic and we know how passionate the fans are there, so are you looking forward to playing in front of another big, passionate fanbase?
Arne: “Yes, 100 per cent. I look really forward to meeting them. That’s one of the first things that Nils said to me, that there were 50,000 Season Ticket Holders already, so that everybody is really behind the team. That really also gave a strong push for me to come here to see a fanbase like that, getting behind their team also in difficult periods. I hope that we can get a really good season together and that we can achieve really nice things.”
Interviewer: You’ve already played twice in the league in Scotland this season, so are you ready to play?
Arne: “I am fit and ready to play. It’s not up to me to put me on the pitch, but I’m ready, like always. I’m looking forward to playing. I can’t wait to meet the boys and get on the field.”
Interviewer: You have spoken about how supportive your family and friends are, and how they have travelled to watch you play in Germany and Scotland. Can we expect to see the Engels Minivan in east London?
Arne: “Hopefully! I mean, they travelled to Germany with the minivan! It was a bit difficult to go up to Glasgow with the van, so they took the plane there, but London is a lot closer to home, so I hope to see them all in the minivan going to the games!”
Interviewer: Finally, what’s your message to our fans?
Arne: “I’m just looking forward to meeting you all in the stadium. I’m looking forward to this challenging season, but hopefully we can make it a really good one, so let’s go for it!”
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Director of Player Recruitment Koppen said, as per the club website: “We are really pleased to have secured Arne’s signing – he is a player we have been tracking for some time as a key target.
“For a player who is still very young with his best years in front of him, he has very good experience and has established himself at a big club, showing consistency and confidence.
“Again, we believe Arne has the right traits, both as a player and as a character, to fit into what we are trying to build moving forward. He is very motivated to be here for this challenge, and we are excited to see him develop.”
Engels said in his farewell to Celtic: “After two incredible years, it’s time for me to say goodbye to Celtic.
“I’m leaving with nothing but gratitude for the time I’ve had at this club. I’ve experienced so many special moments, lifted trophies, created unforgettable memories and had the honour of representing Celtic.
“Wearing this shirt and playing in front of the supporters has been a privilege I’ll always be grateful for. I’ll look back on my time here with great pride and carry these memories with me for the rest of my career.
“Thank you to my teammates, the staff, everyone at the club and, of course, the supporters for making these two years so special. Thank you for everything, Celtic. 💚”
Here’s how fans reacted after Arne Engels gives his first interview on joining West Ham for a EFL record fee…
@stevenmcnab82: When hes in the team- 92% win rate. When hes out the team- 65% win rate. Says it all
@RossyGranty95: On his game very good. Great set piece. Good legs. Doesn’t shy out a challenge and passing range good, BUT very inconsistent up here. Plenty games where he’s went missing. Happy to get over 20 mill tbh. But best of luck to him and the hammers
@_JPRacing: He’s a better footballer than he is a Celtic player if that makes sense. We dominate the ball most weeks and that doesn’t show his qualities. Covering grass, pressing, ball carrying, second balls, driving into space and doing all the work that makes a midfield function – superb
@RealCelticChat: Runs a lot, can occasionally put a good corner in. Really divides opinion amongst our fans but don’t expect anything too special especially in a physical league.
@hctelfih: you’re either getting a 5/10 or a 9/10 performance every week, but in all seriousness when he’s on form he’s another level, wish him well, take care of him, best of luck Arne!
@an_realt: Can be excellent but has an occasional shocker in him too. Although that can also come down to the manager. Martin O’Neill definitely managed to get the best out of him. Still learning and with good coaching has potential to be a top player
@CelticAlways188: A player too good for the championship
@4done6togo: To be honest mate it could go either way for you. He didnt stand out in alot of our games but excelled when he did. Personally he was one i wasnt too bothered about losing as he’s replaceable. Hope he goes on and does well for you
@CFCMark101: Has all the attributes to be a top player. People forget he’s only 22. I was hoping we’d have him another season as I feel he’s only going to get better
@SilentHitoshura: He’s brilliant, solid, classy player. Really important in the midfield being able to control and enable play.
@haveringBard: Modern day CM, strong, athletic, great passer of the ball. Very good off the ball , which goes unnoticed by fans but not managers and scouts. He’ll do well for you , but don’t expect a high goal scoring midfielder.
@Maeda38CFC: He’s young, will be a Belgium international one day, took him a little time to find his feet but when he is on it he’s a joy to watch, personally I think his time in Scotland will help him settle quick in the Championship, he will excel in the premiership, you won’t lose on him
@raisedonceltic7: If you get him playing at the top of his game consistently he will be the first name on there teamsheet, we only really noticed how good he was when he wasn’t in the team, but if he fires consistently he will absolutely stroll it
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