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Celtic midfielder Arne Engels is expected to decide his future before returning for pre-season training, with clubs from across Europe competing for his signature.
The 22-year-old has attracted significant interest following a double-winning campaign with the Scottish champions, making him one of the most sought-after midfielders in the market.
Engels switched agents as he looks to take the next step in his career, according to sources in the player’s homeland who spoke to Record Sport.
Nottingham Forest had a £25 million bid for the playmaker rejected by Celtic during the winter transfer window, though their interest has not faded since that setback.
Forest are joined in the hunt by fellow Premier League sides Sunderland and Fulham, making the English top flight a significant destination possibility for the Belgian international.
Italian interest is also strong, with Lazio’s pursuit of Engels emerging last month, while both Milan and Napoli are said to be considering formal approaches for the midfielder.
German giants Borussia Dortmund have also entered the picture, with the Bundesliga club reported to have scouted Engels as they assess potential summer additions.
Some Celtic players are expected to return to pre-season training on June 26, though it remains to be seen whether Engels will be part of that initial group.
As a player not involved in the World Cup, Engels could return at a later date, having last been capped by Belgium in 2024 when he started the Nations League defeat to Israel.
Engels, a four-time Belgium international, was non-committal when asked about his future after Celtic secured the Scottish Cup to complete their double-winning season.
He said: “Yeah we will see. I still have a contract so we will see what happens. Firstly, I want to thank all the fans. They are just amazing.”
Engels added: “They helped us throughout all the season and to be there they have helped us to get the double. In the end we will see what happens in the summer.”
The midfielder was careful to express his affection for the club while leaving his future deliberately open, saying: “I am really happy here at Celtic. It’s an unbelievable club. I’m really proud to represent Celtic.”
Celtic will be determined to hold onto a player who has become central to their domestic dominance, but the weight of European interest makes retaining him a considerable challenge this summer.
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