NafisaCeltic supporters have had plenty to celebrate after their emphatic 4-0 victory over Dundee United at Tannadice, but the aftermath of the match has brought a rather different feeling for sections of the Hoops support.
The result sent Martin O’Neill’s side through to the next round of the Premier Sports Cup, with Celtic showing plenty of attacking ruthlessness despite Dundee United striking the woodwork five times.
There was also controversy surrounding one of Celtic’s goals, with the ball clearly appearing to strike Kasper Høgh’s arm before Camilo Durán eventually found the net.
Referee Steve McLean awarded the goal, while VAR checked the incident and allowed the original decision to stand. Willie Collum later explained that the accidental handball was not punishable because Høgh was not the player who ultimately scored.
But while that argument continues to rage among supporters, Celtic have been forced to deal with another piece of news that could have a much bigger impact on the team.
A popular figure has already packed his bags.
Arne Engels says goodbye to Celtic
Arne Engels has officially left Celtic after completing his move to West Ham United in a record-breaking £22 million deal.
The Belgium international has signed a five-year contract with the Championship club, bringing an end to his two-year spell at Parkhead.
For Celtic, the financial return is undoubtedly significant.
But replacing Engels on the pitch could prove considerably more difficult.
The 22-year-old became an important member of the Celtic midfield and leaves the club having made 100 appearances, scoring 17 goals and providing 22 assists.
He also helped the Hoops win back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles, alongside the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup.
And now, despite Celtic preparing for another European campaign, Engels has decided that his future lies elsewhere.
His farewell message says plenty
Engels took to social media to officially say goodbye to Celtic supporters, making it clear just how much his time in Glasgow meant to him.
“After two incredible years, it’s time for me to say goodbye to Celtic,” he wrote.
“I’m leaving with nothing but gratitude for the time I’ve had at this club.”
He continued:
“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.”
There was no bitterness in the message.
Instead, Engels appeared to be closing the door on one chapter of his career while looking ahead to a completely different challenge in England.
Yet his decision to leave also highlights an uncomfortable reality for Celtic.
He is no longer part of O’Neill’s team.
And with Champions League football on the horizon, Celtic now have to make sure his departure does not weaken the squad at precisely the wrong time.
Why Celtic could feel Engels’ absence:
Engels was not simply another midfielder competing for minutes.
His ability to contribute defensively, carry the ball, arrive in dangerous positions and provide goals and assists made him a valuable option.
That versatility will not be straightforward to replace.
O’Neill has already acknowledged that Celtic need to find a suitable replacement, with the manager looking for a box-to-box midfielder who can provide “real physicality”.
That recruitment could now become one of Celtic’s most important pieces of business.
The Hoops have plenty of quality elsewhere, but losing an established player immediately before a demanding period of the season creates an obvious question.
Who replaces Engels?
Rangers could be watching this closely
There is also another reason Celtic supporters will be desperate for the club to get the replacement right.
Rangers will be looking for every possible weakness they can exploit this season.
The Glasgow rivalry means that any perceived drop in Celtic’s quality will inevitably attract attention from across the city.
If Celtic replace Engels with another player who can immediately provide the same energy, physicality and attacking contribution, his departure may eventually become little more than a footnote.
But if the recruitment fails, Rangers could see an opportunity.
The midfield battle could become particularly important when the two sides meet, and Celtic will not want to enter those fixtures having weakened one of the areas that Engels helped strengthen.
A painful decision despite the huge fee
From Celtic’s perspective, £22m is difficult to dismiss.
The club have received a massive fee for a 22-year-old midfielder who arrived only two years ago.
West Ham’s willingness to make Engels the most expensive signing in Championship history demonstrates just how highly they rate him.
But money does not automatically replace performances.
Celtic now have to turn that £22m into squad improvement.
O’Neill has already indicated that work is being done to find a replacement, and the expectation will be that the club move quickly.
Because Celtic’s season is already moving at pace.
The controversial Tannadice victory may have provided another reminder of the drama that comes with Scottish football, but the bigger story for O’Neill is happening behind the scenes.
Arne Engels has said goodbye, left Parkhead and begun a new chapter at West Ham — and Celtic now have the unenviable task of proving they can move forward without one of their most important midfielders.
Nafisa
