The Source Credibility Tier

This news comes straight from the top of the reporting ladder. BBC Sport carries Tier 1 status when reporting on Scottish football and British clubs, backed directly by public comments from Celtic manager Martin O'Neill. O'Neill confirmed the situations himself during his pre-season media address on July 31, 2026. When O'Neill speaks directly into a microphone about incoming bids, you can take the facts to the bank. The narrative is no longer floating around message boards; it is active transfer business happening in real time.

The Player Profiles and Current State of Play

Arne Engels arrived at Parkhead as a marquee midfield signing intended to solidify Celtic's control in both domestic action and European competition. The Belgian midfielder operates primarily as a central box-to-box presence, offering technical composure in tight spaces alongside high defensive work rate. West Ham United have spotted an opportunity to inject younger talent into their engine room, launching a formal approach that Celtic promptly turned away.

Meanwhile, Alastair Johnston finds himself in the crosshairs of Everton. Johnston has established himself as an indispensable component of Celtic's backline at right-back. The Canadian international combines aggressive physical tackling with intelligent positional awareness along the right flank. O'Neill confirmed that Everton have formally expressed interest in securing Johnston's services ahead of the Premier League kickoff.

Tactical Fit and Squad Implications

For West Ham, Engels represents an ideal energetic profile to link defense and attack. The Hammers need a midfielder capable of covering ground quickly, breaking up opposition counters, and progressing the ball through the lines without overcomplicating possession. Engels fits that blueprint cleanly, making him an attractive target for a Premier League side rebuilding its midfield structure.

At Everton, Johnston would provide immediate defensive stability and tactical versatility at full-back. Everton's defensive setup relies on full-backs who prioritize tight positional discipline before committing to forward overlapping runs. Johnston's background at Celtic proves he can handle intense physical duels while providing consistent delivery when moving up the pitch.

However, losing either player right now creates a massive headache for Martin O'Neill. Celtic cannot afford to dismantle their core spine on the eve of the campaign. Replacing a regular starter in midfield or defense at this stage of the summer window forces Celtic into a high-risk market where premium replacement fees are guaranteed.

Fee, Wage Estimates, and Contract Dynamics

Neither club has made public the exact valuation figures involved in these initial probes. Celtic's instant rejection of West Ham's opening approach signals that the Scottish champions value Engels far beyond a exploratory lowball offer. Having invested heavily to secure Engels, Celtic hold total leverage over his long-term contract situation and are under zero financial pressure to sell on the cheap.

Johnston similarly remains on a long-term deal in Glasgow. Everton's interest remains exploratory at this stage, but any formal offer will need to reflect his status as an established international and defensive pillar. Celtic have established a firm stance: Premier League suitors will have to pay well above market rate if they want to tear away key assets this late in July.

Competing Clubs and Market Context

West Ham are currently leading the chase for Engels, though several European sides have monitored the Belgian's progress over the past twelve months. Should West Ham return with an improved second offer, rival suitors could be forced to step out of the shadows. Everton currently sit as the sole Premier League side actively pursuing Johnston, though their financial wiggle room requires careful negotiations.

Probability Assessment

The probability of both deals going through simultaneously remains low. Celtic hold all the cards and O'Neill has made his stance transparent: Parkhead is not a bargain bin for Premier League clubs looking for late-window additions.

For Arne Engels to West Ham, we sit at a cold 25% chance of a 'here we go' moment. Celtic's immediate rejection of the initial approach shows they intend to keep him locked in the midfield for the upcoming season. It would take a massive, inflated bid to change their minds.

For Alastair Johnston to Everton, the probability sits around 35%. While Everton's interest is concrete, converting initial interest into a formal agreement that satisfies Celtic's steep valuation is a steep hill to climb before deadline day.

Expected Timeline

Do not expect quick resolutions here. West Ham must decide within the next 48 to 72 hours whether to submit a significantly enhanced second bid or pivot to alternative targets. Everton's pursuit of Johnston will likely drag deeper into August as they weigh their transfer budget balance.

Expected Impact

If Celtic hold firm and reject all subsequent bids, O'Neill retains his preferred core for domestic title defense and European group matches. Retaining both Engels and Johnston preserves team cohesion and avoids a desperate late-window scramble for replacements.

If West Ham or Everton manage to break Celtic's resolve with massive offers, Celtic's recruitment team will face an immediate, high-stakes race against the clock. Losing key starters so close to the season opener would represent a major structural gamble for the Scottish champions.