West Ham Shatter EFL Transfer Mark with £22m Move for Engels

West Ham United have completed the signing of

West Ham United have completed the signing of Belgian midfielder Arne Engels from Celtic in a deal worth £22 million, setting a new benchmark for transfer fees paid by an EFL club.

The 21-year-old, who has earned three caps for Belgium, becomes the Hammers' second major acquisition of the summer window as manager Julen Lopetegui continues to reshape his squad for the upcoming Premier League campaign.

Engels emerged as one of the most promising young talents in Scottish football during his 18-month spell at Celtic Park, where he registered 12 goals and 9 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. His performances in the Champions League, particularly against top European sides, caught the attention of several Premier League scouts.

The transfer fee eclipses the previous EFL record

The transfer fee eclipses the previous EFL record of £20 million, which was set by Leicester City when they signed Patson Daka from RB Salzburg in 2021. West Ham's willingness to break that mark underscores their determination to secure the player amid reported interest from other English top-flight clubs.

Speaking after the medical was completed, Engels expressed his excitement about the move, stating that the project at the London Stadium and the club's ambition were key factors in his decision. He is expected to slot into the starting XI alongside new signings such as Guido Rodríguez and Wes Foderingham.

Celtic, meanwhile, have already begun their search for a replacement, with sources indicating that manager Brendan Rodgers has identified several targets across Europe to fill the void left by the highly-rated playmaker.

The transfer is subject to international clearance, and

The transfer is subject to international clearance, and Engels is expected to make his debut in West Ham's opening Premier League fixture against Aston Villa on August 17.