Record-Breaking Signing Arne Engels Set For First Start Against Hearts

Arne Engels has been given a huge opportunity this afternoon against Hearts, with Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers opting to start the Belgian over Paulo Bernardo.

Engels joined Celtic in the summer transfer window for a reported club record transfer fee of £11 million, breaking Odsonne Edouard’s previous record of £9 million.

With Matt O’Riley sold, Engels has been signed as a ready-made replacement and comes into the side this afternoon to show what he brings to the Hoops.

Despite being only 21, the fact that Celtic signed the Belgian for a club record transfer fee highlights that he is ready to make an immediate impact.

Against Hearts, he will look to show why he has garnered so much hype so far.

Last season, for Augsburg, Engels starred with five assists and three goals in 32 Bundesliga appearances.

The Belgian starts alongside Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate in midfield against Hearts.

It will be interesting to see how the balance of the midfield shapes up alongside two experienced Hoops players.

Having come off the bench to make his debut in the Glasgow Derby, Engels looked comfortable in the 28 minutes he played.

However, against Steven Naismith’s side, it will be easier to gauge what he brings to an already impressive Celtic midfield.