West Ham have completed the signing of Belgium international midfielder Arne Engels from Celtic in a reported £22m deal that sets a new Championship transfer record.
The 22-year-old has agreed a five-year contract with the Hammers, with the club holding an option to extend the agreement by another 12 months.
Engels joins with West Ham aiming to secure an immediate return to the Premier League after relegation. Celtic boss Martin O’Neill said on Friday that the midfielder was close to moving to the London club, and West Ham have now confirmed the transfer.
He will not be involved when West Ham begin their Championship campaign against Burnley on Sunday. His first opportunity to play for the club could come on 22 August, when West Ham host Charlton Athletic at London Stadium.
“It feels amazing to be here, so I’m delighted and I can’t wait to get started,” Engels told the club website.
“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!”
Engels arrives in England after a successful spell with Celtic, during which he won two Scottish Premiership titles. He also collected a Scottish Cup winner’s medal and a Scottish League Cup.
Across 66 Scottish Premiership appearances for the Glasgow club, the midfielder scored 14 goals and supplied 10 assists. His final Celtic appearance came in a 5-1 victory against Kilmarnock, when he provided an assist.
The move makes Engels the latest major addition to West Ham’s squad as they prepare for life in the Championship and attempt to return to the top flight. His contract length and the reported fee underline the club’s intention to challenge for promotion.
Engels will now begin working towards his first appearance in West Ham colours, with the fixture against Charlton Athletic at London Stadium potentially providing his debut.
