Sources: Celtic could lose two midfield stars as summer overhaul on the cards
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(Credit: Imago) Arne Engels, Reo Hatate: Celtic could lose two midfield stars this summer Sun 22 March 2026 15:00, UK Celtic are bracing to receive offers for both Arne Engels and Reo Hatate ahead of the summer transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.Engels, 22, had attracted high-profile interest from the likes of RB Leipzig and Nottingham Forest in the mid-season window but saw his exit blocked by Celtic.Meanwhile, 28-year-old Hatate is eyeing a potential move away from Parkhead after four years at the club with plenty of suitors keeping tabs on his situation.As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, the Hoops are preparing to lose key players amid the growing interest.It has been a frustrating season in Glasgow which could lead to Celtic struggling with a difficult transfer window if they are set to lose their best players. 🔄 Celtic Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Parkhead boardroom. VISIT THE CELTIC TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Celtic face two major midfield exits: Arne Engels, Reo HatateFootball Insider exclusively revealed last month that Engels is on Nottingham Forest’s shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window.The Premier League outfit missed out when trying to strengthen their midfield on winter deadline day, but remain very much interested in a summer move.CelticArne EngelsReo HatateAppearances3843Starts2630Minutes Played24602705Goals56Assists73Yellow Cards / Red Cards8 / 07 / 1Arne Engels and Reo Hatate’s Celtic stats in 2025-26.
(via Transfermarkt)Celtic are bracing for interest in both Engels and Hatate as a result and could lose two key pillars of their midfield in one window, leading to cause for concern.Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “The midfield is an area the team that Celtic probably will need to strengthen in long term.“There’s been a lot of speculation about Reo Hatate’s future at the club, Arne Engels was linked with the move away in the January transfer window as well.“Both players are expected to attract a lot of interest in the summer window, so Celtic know the midfield might be an area they will have to strengthen in.”Which other players could leave Celtic this summer?With the imminent arrival of a new manager, Celtic are preparing for what could prove to be a busy summer with both incoming and outgoing deals expected.Alongside the likes of Engels and Hatate, Football Insider revealed Celtic could accept offers for Daizen Maeda, who is also attracting interest from across Europe.Credit: ImagoThe Japan international is entering the final year of his contract this summer and has shown now willingness to put pen to paper on a renewed deal.As a result, Celtic may opt to take their final opportunity to cash in on the forward while he still has a high value rather than lose him for free.Premier League clubs including Everton and Brentford have considered a deal previously, while interest from the Bundesliga is expected to be high again.