The state of play at the City Ground has complicated potential transfer matters
Celtic midfielder Arne Engels continues to be linked with a move to Nottingham Forest - however with manager Vitor Pereira on the verge of leaving and star man Elliot Anderson off to Manchester City, the Belgian is being sent mixed messages from the Reds.
The 22-year old Hoops star was the subject of three rejected bids from Nottingham Forest in the January window, with the highest reaching £25 million. Since then, Pereira took the reins from Sean Dyche at the City Ground, but interest in Engels still remained as the Reds links continued into the summer. However, with the Portuguese gaffer now set to make way for ex Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, a spanner has been thrown in the works regarding a potential Engels move.
On the other hand, Elliot Anderson’s transfer to Manchester City has left a gaping hole in the middle of the park for Forest, who now are tasked with replacing the former Scotland Under 21 international. The new gaffer won’t be short on cash as Anderson’s record £116 million fee makes him the most expensive English player of all time. Sunderland and Roma are also reportedly interested in Engels among others.
The Forest boss is set to make way for Oliver Glasner.placeholder image
The Forest boss is set to make way for Oliver Glasner. | Getty Images
How could Pereira’s exit affect an Engels deal?
Last season there was a managerial merry-go round at Forest, who went through four different gaffers over the course of the campaign, including former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou. After helping them stay in the Premier League, Pereira looked to have built some momentum going into next season but now looks to have been brushed aside for Europa Conference League winner Glasner.
Upon his Forest exit, Pereira told the BBC: "Although this decision came as a complete surprise to me and without any warning, I fully respect the club's right to make the decisions it believes are best for its future. Naturally, I am disappointed and saddened. I truly believed in what we were building together, and I leave with a sense of pride in everything we achieved over the past months.”
With Forest’s interest in Engels only increasing during the off-season, Pereira was reportedly planning on reigniting their pursuit, however with him out of the picture now, incoming gaffer Glasner may now have the ultimate say on the Celtic midfielder.
Anderson's move to Manchester City makes him the most expensive Englishman of all time.placeholder image
Anderson's move to Manchester City makes him the most expensive Englishman of all time. | Getty Images
How could Anderson’s exit affect an Engels deal?
Forest announced that their England international will head to the Etihad once he returns from the World Cup. They said via X: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that an agreement has been reached with Manchester City for the transfer of Elliot Anderson.
“The necessary formalities will be completed in due course, allowing Elliot's full focus to remain on representing England at the FIFA World Cup. The Club will pay tribute to Elliot's outstanding contribution over the past two seasons at the appropriate time. Until then, everyone at Nottingham Forest wishes Elliot and the England squad every success for the remainder of the tournament.”
Replacing the creativity and work rate of the former Newcastle United man will be nigh on impossible for the Reds, who will now need to bolster this area of the pitch. Furthermore Anderson’s midfield partner in crime Morgan Gibbs-White has been on the radar of Arsenal and PSG in what also could result in a big money move. If this is the case, it could increase Engels’ chances of a City Ground move and perhaps Celtic could bump up his fee, given Forest’s resources.
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