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Ex Rangers chief cites 'big club' Celtic in developing £22m signing as Engels opens up on West Ham move The Belgium international is hopeful he can help the London club return to the Premier League at the first time of asking. West Ham United have signed midfielder Arne Engels from Celtic for a reported fee of £22 million. The Belgian international spent two seasons in Glasgow but moves to the London Stadium where he is hopeful of helping them return to the English Premier League at the first time of asking. The Hammers were relegated last season and will compete in the English Football League Championship in the 2026/27 season. The 22-year-old spent two successful seasons at Celtic Park having arrived in the summer of 2024 from German outfit FC Augsburg. The Hoops reportedly paid £11 million for his services, meaning they have doubled their investment. Former Rangers director calls Celtic a ‘big club’ as West Ham announce £22 million signing His time with the Scottish champions has also significantly helped develop him as a player, according to West Ham’s Director of Player Recruitment Nils Koppen. His name will be familiar to Scottish football fans having previously worked as a director with Rangers. He said: “We are really pleased to have secured Arne’s signing - he is a player we have been tracking for some time as a key target. For a player who is still very young with his best years in front of him, he has very good experience and has established himself at a big club, showing consistency and confidence. “Again, we believe Arne has the right traits, both as a player and as a character, to fit into what we are trying to build moving forward. He is very motivated to be here for this challenge, and we are excited to see him develop.” On his move to London, Engels said: “It feels amazing to be here, so I'm delighted and I can't wait to get started. It's a really nice project to come into and try to to go back to the Premier League. “That's the big goal. I think that's everybody's goal and it's just up to me to hopefully help the team with it and together with the supporters to get some wins. “Hopefully, we'll see that it's going to be a good year then and I'm looking forward to the next ones. I'm just looking forward to meeting all the fans at London Stadium. I’m looking forward to this challenging season, but hopefully we can make it a really good one, so let's go for it!” Celtic wish departing midfielder well as transfer profit doubled on £11m investment Celtic’s official statement on the player leaving said: “Arne Engels has joined English Championship side West Ham United after spending two years at Celtic. The 22-year-old Belgium internationalist, who made his Hoops debut in a 3-0 derby win in September 2024, made his 100th appearance for Celtic in last weekend’s 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock. “During his time at Paradise, the midfielder picked up two Scottish Premiership titles, one Scottish League Cup and one Scottish Cup. Everyone at Celtic Park thanks Arne for his contributions to the club over the past few years and wishes him all the best for the future.” Engels could be in line for a quickfire debut for the Hammers as they kick off their EFL Championship campaign today (Sunday). They are away to Burnley as two promotion chasing sides go head-to-head.