First Team Squad
Player profile and performance records.
Arne Engels (Midfielder)
Arne Engels
Opwijk, BelgiumPosition: Midfielder
Born: 8th Sep 2003 (Opwijk, Belgium)
Signed: 10th Aug 2026 (£22,000,000)
Contract: 5 years + one-year option (signed August 2026)
Previous Club: Celtic
KUMB Awards: None.
Engels began his career at the youth academy of Club Brugge, making his debut for Brugge's reserve side, Club NXT on 22 August 2020.
On 3 January 2023, Engels signed for Bundesliga club FC Augsburg on a four-and-a-half-year contract. On 30 August 2024, after little more than a season in Germany he signed a four-year contract with Scottish Premiership side Celtic. Engels soon became the Bhoys' designated penalty taker and won both the league title and Scottish League Cup in his first season.
He was linked with a move to Nottingham Forest during the 2026 January transfer window with Forest making multiple bids that were knocked back, including a joint Scottish record bid of ??25 million.
On 15 August 2026, Engels signed a five-year contract with West Ham for a record fee in the region of ??22 million.
He debuted for the Belgium national team on 6 September 2024 in a Nations League game against Israel at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Hungary. He substituted Youri Tielemans in the 74th minute of Belgium's 3?EUR"1 victory.
vs Bolton Wanderers
3-2: Tuesday, 8th September(Played 90 minutes)
A really good showing from Engels, who fought and scrapped when it was that game, put had poise and creativity when that side was needed. Others seemed to struggle in the dynamic shifts between the two, whilst Engels was comfortable with both. The cross for Mavropanos's goal really is sensational.
vs Derby County
3-0: Saturday, 5th September(Played 90 minutes)
Combative and hardworking, he's got good vision and a good weight of pass, and seems as comfortable in defence as attack. Growing into each game as they come, he's slotted in nicely and there's still more to come.
vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
4-2: Tuesday, 1st September(Played 90 minutes)
Better delivery from set pieces today and he basically sets up the goal for Mavropanos whilst also getting a simple assist for Mukasa's screamer.
vs Southampton
4-1: Tuesday, 25th August(Kante 59') A simple but effective display, the pass forward on the last goal is nothing major but a sign of a player who sees good passes even in deep positions. West Ham will need to make space against their opponents this year, which will be easier with sharp and early forward passes.
vs Charlton Athletic
1-2: Saturday, 22nd August(Played 90 minutes)
Considering this was his debut, it was tough for a player who will be tasked with creating to be aligned with his teammates. Charlton packed the defence, giving him little room to operate in and very few gaps to find passing forwards.
Arne Engels did not play any matches this season.
Arne Engels did not play for West Ham during this season.
Arne Engels did not play for West Ham during this season.
Arne Engels did not play for West Ham during this season.
Arne Engels did not play for West Ham during this season.
Arne Engels did not play for West Ham during this season.
Arne Engels did not play for West Ham during this season.
Arne Engels did not play for West Ham during this season.
Arne Engels did not play for West Ham during this season.
Arne Engels did not play for West Ham during this season.
Arne Engels did not play for West Ham during this season.
Arne Engels did not play for West Ham during this season.
Arne Engels did not play for West Ham during this season.
Arne Engels did not play for West Ham during this season.
Arne Engels did not play for West Ham during this season.
Arne Engels did not play for West Ham during this season.
Arne Engels did not play for West Ham during this season.
Arne Engels did not play for West Ham during this season.
Arne Engels did not play for West Ham during this season.
Arne Engels did not play for West Ham during this season.
Arne Engels did not play for West Ham during this season.
Arne Engels did not play for West Ham during this season.
Arne Engels did not play for West Ham during this season.
Arne Engels did not play for West Ham during this season.
Arne Engels did not play for West Ham during this season.