Sean Dyche has spoken about Nottingham Forest’s failed late push for Arne Engels, offering some clarity on a move that briefly caused tension around Celtic.
Forest were strongly linked with the midfielder on deadline day, with reports suggesting a bid close to £25 million once add-ons were included. It was a big offer, but it arrived too late to change Celtic’s position.
celtic fc midfielder Arne Engels
30th December 2025; Fir Park, Motherwell, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Motherwell versus Celtic; Arne Engels of Celtic
From Celtic’s point of view, timing mattered just as much as money. Engels is not someone the Hoops can afford to lose. He has become a key part of how the team plays, especially in games where control in midfield is hard to find. With the Scottish title race still in the balance and the Europa League knockouts looming, selling him so late would have created a problem with no easy answer.
There was no realistic chance to sell and replace. The window was closing, options were limited, and any incoming player would have needed time. Taking the offer would have weakened the squad straight away, right in the middle of a brutal run of fixtures.
Celtic supporters have seen this all before. Late bids arrive, this time, however, the club chose to keep a player. Holding on to Engels protected the balance of the team and signalled that the focus remains on finishing the season on a high rather than adding to the balance sheet.
Dyche spoke about the situation when asked about Forest’s deadline-day business.
He said: (Nottingham Forest YouTube), “Some is real, some of that news, and some wasn’t. That’s one thing to clear up. There were a number of situations where we felt that we could operate in.
“But I did say before the window, it’s not just targeting players, whoever they may be, it’s actually getting deals done, and it’s not an easy process.
“I will remind you that there is some talent here, it’s just about getting ready talent. Some are maturing into what it is to be in the Premier League, so that work continues. There are some good signs from the groups.
“If we could have strengthened, we would, but it’s not easy getting deals over the line.
“The only details that you lot make up. I am happy to go with them. I always do. Not you personally, by the way. I saw you laughing like, ‘how dare you?’ You know I get on well with the media, but everyone has a job to do. I would say that.”
For Celtic, it was about keeping the squad as strong as possible for once coming out of a transfer window, not how big the offer was. Engels brings energy, balance, and calm to the midfield. That is not easy to replace, especially when matches are coming thick and fast and any mistakes will get punished.
Holding on to a key player showed the power Martin O’Neill has at the club. Letting Engels go so late would have caused more disruption than just changing the starting line-up.
Celtic FC Belgian international midfielder Arne Engels
30th November 2025; Easter Road, Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Hibernian versus Celtic; Arne Engels of Celtic
There will be more transfer windows and more bids down the line. This time, Celtic stuck with what they have.
With league games to win and Europe still alive, keeping Engels could end up being worth far more than a late offer on deadline day.
Tees for Tims