Arne Engels is officially a West Ham United player, but Nuno Espírito Santo now faces an immediate decision over whether to throw his £22million signing straight into Sunday’s Championship opener at Burnley.
The Arne Engels Burnley question has become more significant with Tomáš Souček unavailable and uncertainty surrounding West Ham’s midfield options.
Engels completed his move from Celtic on Saturday evening, less than 24 hours before West Ham begin their Championship season at Turf Moor.
The transfer brings an end to a pursuit which accelerated rapidly this week. ReadWestHam reported on Friday that West Ham had reached a full £22m agreement with Celtic for Engels, with the midfielder subsequently completing his medical before the move was announced.
Could Arne Engels start against Burnley?
Engels has been signed to play an important role in West Ham’s promotion challenge rather than simply provide midfield depth.
Celtic list the Belgium international as a central midfielder, while he already has considerable senior experience despite being only 22.
There is also a clear indication that West Ham have been working towards having him available immediately.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill said on Friday that West Ham wanted Engels ready for the opening game. The Guardian carried O’Neill’s comments, with the Celtic boss also revealing that the midfielder was undergoing his medical at the time.
Whether Nuno is prepared to start him after such a quick turnaround is another question.
Engels has been involved throughout Celtic’s preparations, so general fitness should not be a major concern. Learning West Ham’s structure and understanding exactly what Nuno wants from him will be more difficult with so little preparation time.
West Ham midfield options put Engels decision in focus
Souček is already unavailable for the trip to Turf Moor, reducing Nuno’s established midfield options.
That increases the significance of Engels arriving before the opening weekend.
West Ham could choose to introduce the Belgian gradually from the bench, particularly against a Burnley side expected to provide one of the toughest tests in the division.
Alternatively, Nuno may decide his new signing is already too important to leave out.
The wider team-news picture could also work in West Ham’s favour. ReadWestHam reported on Friday that Burnley are expected to be without Jordan Beyer, Josh Cullen and Jaydon Banel for the Championship opener.
talkSPORT’s Burnley v West Ham team-news guide also lists the injuries affecting both sides before kick-off.
Nuno has immediate £22m decision
Engels has been signed with an entire 46-game Championship campaign in mind.
West Ham do not need to rush his introduction purely because he has arrived before the first fixture.
But the circumstances make the decision far less straightforward.
With Souček absent and West Ham attempting to start their promotion campaign positively, Nuno may decide that the qualities which persuaded the club to spend £22m on Engels are required immediately.
Sunday’s fixture kicks off at 4pm BST at Turf Moor, with West Ham’s official match information confirming the date, venue and kick-off time.
Engels has barely had time to settle into his new surroundings.
He could still find himself playing an important role in West Ham’s first Championship match in 14 years.
