Arne Engels stance on Parkhead move after Celtic open talks

Matt O'Riley is set to leave Celtic to join Brighton & Hove Albion in a Scottish record transfer. The Hoops will need to bring in a replacement for him this summer itself. The Danish midfielder was the club's best player last season and is an integral part of Brendan Rodgers' team. They have signed Paulo Bernardo from Benfica but he is not as effective in terms of goals and assists.

Arne Engels of FC Augsburg seems to be someone Celtic are eyeing as a potential replacement for O'Riley. The 20-year-old versatile Belgian midfielder has already made more than 50 appearances in the Bundesliga.

Of course, his output is nowhere near O'Riley at the moment. But Celtic won't be able to sign someone who is already providing close to 40 goal contributions a season. That would take a £30 million transfer package. They will have to find someone with the potential to develop into that sort of player and there is a lot to like about Engels.

As tweeted by Anthony Joseph, Celtic have opened talks with FC Augsburg over a potential deal for the central midfielder. It’s understood that Engels is keen to join the Hoops.

Arne Engels stance on Parkhead move after Celtic open talks

Engels' interest in a move to Celtic is good news. That could help the club in getting a deal over the line, just like it did in the case of Bernardo and Adam Idah this summer.

It is very possible that Celtic sign not one but two players to replace O'Riley. They have also been linked with Mateusz Bogusz of Los Angeles FC, another versatile player who is enjoying his breakout season in the MLS. He is capable of playing up front, on the wing or in the number 10 role.

Let's see if Engels ends up joining Celtic this summer. If he does, he would have a tough task on his hands, filling the boots of O'Riley.