Published Aug 1, 2026, 12:38 PM GMT+1

Charlie is a football writer and assistant editor on FootballFanCast.com and has worked for the company for a number of years.

He began with Snack Media during his time at UCFB’s Etihad Campus, and after graduating in 2019, has held full-time roles on the Read Network and The Transfer Tavern.

Charlie has covered a variety of sports during his time with the company and has been a correspondent for football clubs both in England and Scotland.

Since dropping into the second tier under Nuno Espirito Santo, the Hammers have raised some much-needed funds by cashing in on two star players.

The first to depart the Irons was Mateus Fernandes, who headed to Tottenham for a fee in the region of £85m - a record deal for Spurs.

Meanwhile, Crysencio Summerville has also departed, joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for an initial fee of £55m, whereas Freddie Potts could be the next to depart for Belgian side Club Brugge.

West Ham and new director of player recruitment Nils Koppen are now aiming to use some of that cash to reshape the squad and balance the books ahead of an immediate promotion push.

In recent days, Celtic star Engels has emerged as a leading target, with West Ham seemingly viewing midfield as one of their biggest priorities to strengthen.

The Belgium international would add creativity, energy and technical quality to a side expected to dominate possession in the Championship, and one update suggests the player has already given the green light to a London Stadium move.

West Ham agree personal terms with Engels as Celtic set asking price

According to reports from Football Insider, Engels has agreed the framework of a West Ham contract at the London Stadium.

The two clubs still need to shake hands on a transfer fee, though, with Celtic holding out for a package worth around £25m during talks with the Hammers.

The Scottish champions made Engels their record signing in 2024, and it’s safe to say he’s lived up to expectations in Glasgow after former boss Brendan Rodgers hailed him as a player with “real quality”.

The 22-year-old scored seven goals and provided eight assists across all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign, establishing himself as a regular for the Hoops.

Comfortable as both a No.8 and deeper playmaker, Engels excels at progressing the ball through midfield, breaking opposition lines with his passing and contributing in the final third.

Engels also covers huge distances, presses aggressively and has the technical quality to dictate the tempo of matches, making him an ideal fit for Nuno's high-intensity style. At just 22, he also offers significant resale value, something that will appeal to a West Ham side aiming to rebuild with younger, high-upside talent.

With personal terms agreed and negotiations seemingly on over a transfer fee, West Ham could soon make Engels one of the Championship’s most expensive signings of all time, making this one to keep an eye on.