Arne Engels is on the cusp of signing for Celtic in a deal that's expected to be a club record at £11m. The head coach of Augsburg has now given a glowing report of the 20-year-old ahead of the move.
On Friday morning, Engels was said to be in London undergoing his Celtic medical before travelling north to sign for the Scottish champions.
Augsburg head coach Jess Thorup is understandably disappointed to lose such a young and fledgling talent in Engels, but spoke in praise of the player's recent progress in comments that likewise alluded to his potential.
As reported by Transfer.com's Ronan Murphy on X (formerly Twitter), the Augsburg man said: "It's great how Arne has developed.
"I don't think I made the final decision, it's up to the club and the player when you get an offer like that.
"As a coach, you sometimes have to live with it."
Read more:
- Why Celtic target Arne Engels could replace Matt O'Riley
- Arne Engels to Celtic transfer handed green light
The same could perhaps be said in reverse of Celtic's now-departed Matt O'Riley, however 20-year-old Engels is expected to step into this role at the Parkhead club under Brendan Rodgers.
The summer transfer window closes this evening at 11pm UK time, on Friday, August 30.
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