Celtic rejects West Ham bid for Engels, Everton interested in Johnston
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 31, 2026, 2:26 PM
Last updated Jul 31, 2026
Celtic has rejected a bid from West Ham for midfielder Arne Engels, with manager Martin O'Neill stating the offer does not meet their valuation. Concurrently, Everton has expressed interest in Alistair Johnston, although O'Neill noted that no formal bid has been made as of yet. Both players have shown notable performance, with Engels joining from Augsburg in 2024 and Johnston being a key figure for Canada at the World Cup. O'Neill described the inquiries as disappointing but not unexpected, emphasizing the club's efforts to retain them. He acknowledged the difficulty in replacing them should the situation change.
- •Celtic rejected West Ham's bid for Arne Engels.
- •Engels' performance led to interest from multiple clubs.
- •Everton has shown interest in Alistair Johnston.
- •O'Neill calls player interest disappointing but not unexpected.
- •Celtic aims to retain both players amidst transfer inquiries.
- 2:26 PMYahoo Sports — O'Neill on Engels & Johnston interest, 'pressing' for signings & 'character' Hogh
- 2:22 PMYahoo Sports — Celtic reject Engels bid and confirm Johnston interest
- 2:15 PMBBC Sport — Celtic reject Engels bid and confirm Johnston interest
"Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has been talking to the media before Monday's Scottish Premiership opener against Dundee. O'Neill confirms West Ham have bid for midfielder Arne Engels, although it "doesn't remotely meet our valuation". O'Neill stressed Celtic's aim is to try to keep both players and said it would be a "difficult task" to replace them, "but it's difficult to stop people if their ambition is to play in a big, big league".
"Celtic reject a West Ham approach for Arne Engels while there is Everton interest in Alistair Johnston, manager Martin O'Neill confirms.
"Celtic reject a West Ham approach for Arne Engels while there is Everton interest in Alistair Johnston, manager Martin O'Neill confirms.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 31, 2026, 2:26 PMO'Neill on Engels & Johnston interest, 'pressing' for signings & 'character' Hogh
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has been talking to the media before Monday's Scottish Premiership opener against Dundee. O'Neill confirms West Ham have bid for midfielder Arne Engels, although it "doesn't remotely meet our valuation". O'Neill stressed Celtic's aim is to try to keep both players and said it would be a "difficult task" to replace them, "but it's difficult to stop people if their ambition is to play in a big, big league".
- Yahoo SportsJul 31, 2026, 2:22 PMCeltic reject Engels bid and confirm Johnston interest
Celtic reject a West Ham approach for Arne Engels while there is Everton interest in Alistair Johnston, manager Martin O'Neill confirms.
- BBC SportJul 31, 2026, 2:15 PMCeltic reject Engels bid and confirm Johnston interest
Celtic reject a West Ham approach for Arne Engels while there is Everton interest in Alistair Johnston, manager Martin O'Neill confirms.
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