Crystal Palace hold talks to sign £25m star who Celtic now willing to sell

Crystal Palace have been in talks to sign Celtic star Arne Engels, with the Scottish side now prepared to sanction a departure.

Palace are in pursuit of a new central midfielder this summer, with Adam Wharton attracting interest from the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool, and there are indications Engels could be ready to test himself in the Premier League.

Celtic’s Callum McGregor has spoken very fondly of the Belgian, who he has partnered in midfield, saying: “Arne’s been fantastic since he worked through the door. A big price tag, big expectations and he’s handled it so well. He’s so down-to-earth as well and he just wants to work hard and he just keeps getting stronger and stronger.

“It’s a pleasure to play with him and he’s a team player, which is brilliant, and you need that at Celtic as well. So I’m really happy for him. He’s making brilliant strides, he’s a top player and he just keeps going, so it’s excellent.”

Just 22-years-old, the former FC Augsburg man has already established himself as a key player for the Hoops, chipping in with 17 goals and 21 assists in 98 matches since making the move from Germany in the summer of 2024.

Last season, the Celtic maestro created a total of 42 chances in the Scottish Premiership, which is more than any Palace player managed in the Premier League, except for Wharton and 2025 summer signing Yeremy Pino.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Crystal Palace remain in contact to sign Engels, with Celtic now prepared to sanction a departure for around £25m in the current transfer window.

The four-cap Belgium international has informed the Scottish champions he wants to leave, and there is no shortage of interest from within the Premier League, with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest, Fulham and Sunderland also keen.

With Wharton attracting interest, it may be important for Palace to sign a new midfielder this summer, and there are indications the Celtic star could be a solid long-term replacement.

Crystal Palace eyeing Championship star as Arne Engels alternative

A deal for Engels could be there to be done, with the Hoops willing to cash-in this summer, but he is not the only midfielder in the Eagles’ sights.

Palace have also stormed into the race to sign Southampton star Shea Charles, who was recently absent from Southampton’s first pre-season game against Eastleigh, amid rival interest from Leeds United.

Charles is also valued at £25m, so Palace will need to decide whether to take a punt on a Championship midfielder, or sign Engels, who has proven himself in the Scottish Premiership over the past two seasons.