adminChris Sutton has criticized Celtic for the timing of Arne Engels’ £22 million transfer to West Ham, calling the decision to let him go just before the Champions League play-off against LASK “DUMB.”
The Scottish club have secured a significant profit on the 22-year-old Belgian midfielder following West Ham’s successful pursuit. But his immediate exit means Martin O’Neill will be without a crucial midfield presence for Wednesday’s pivotal first-leg clash at Celtic Park.
While Sutton acknowledges that £22 million is a strong financial deal for Celtic, the former striker is baffled that the club sanctioned Engels’ departure on the cusp of such a high-stakes European fixture.
In his Daily Record column, Sutton wrote: “I can’t for the life of me work out why Celtic are allowing one of their best players to leave on the eve of one of the biggest games of the season. It’s just DUMB.
“There’s so much at stake—it’s unthinkable to go into this match weakened, but that’s exactly what’s happening with Engels gone. I understand it’s a big fee and I see why West Ham want him now, with the Championship starting this weekend. But that’s not Celtic’s concern. They should have looked after their own interests.
“Just look at Engels’ performance at Rugby Park over the weekend to see what he brings to O’Neill’s side. His energy and drive are difficult to replace—he covers every blade of grass and adds a physical edge they really need.”
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