West Ham break EFL record to sign Engels for £22m

West Ham United have paid a £22m fee, a new EFL record, to sign Celtic's Belgium international midfielder Arne Engels.

West Ham United have completed the signing of Belgian international midfielder Arne Engels from Celtic for a fee of £22 million, a new record for the English Football League (EFL). The 21-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the Hammers, with an option for a further year. Engels had an impressive spell at Celtic, scoring 9 goals and providing 10 assists in 45 appearances last season, helping the club win both the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup. His performances attracted interest from several top European clubs, but West Ham ultimately won the race for his signature. West Ham manager David Moyes expressed his delight at the signing, saying: "Arne is a very talented young player who has already proven his quality at Celtic. His arrival will strengthen our midfield, and we look forward to seeing him showcase his abilities in the Premier League." The transfer fee breaks the previous EFL record set by Fulham in 2018, when they paid £20 million for Jean-Michaël Seri. West Ham's investment demonstrates their ambition in the transfer market as they aim to improve on their recent league performances. Engels himself is excited about the move, stating on social media: "I am delighted to join this great club and can't wait to get started. I want to thank Celtic and the fans for their support; I will always remember my time here." West Ham begin their Premier League campaign with an away match against Burnley, and Engels could make his debut in that game. His arrival is expected to add creativity and energy to the midfield, and fans are eager to see him in action. The transfer has sparked widespread discussion among fans and pundits. Some believe it is a shrewd piece of business, given Engels' potential, while others question whether he can adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League. Regardless, this deal has become one of the highlights of the summer transfer window.

West Ham break EFL record to sign Engels for £22m

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