Arne Engels is in line to make his West Ham United debut against Charlton Athletic after a registration issue prevented the £22million midfielder from featuring at Burnley.
West Ham completed the signing of Engels from Celtic before their Championship opener, breaking the EFL transfer record to bring the Belgium international to London Stadium. However, the deal was not finalised early enough for the 22-year-old to be registered for Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Turf Moor. TalkSPORT reports that Engels is expected to be available against Charlton.
That gives Nuno Espírito Santo another major midfield option for West Ham’s first home league game of the season on Saturday.
Arne Engels set for West Ham debut opportunity
Engels joined West Ham on a five-year contract with the option of a further year and has been handed the No.7 shirt. His £22m transfer eclipsed the previous Championship record.
The midfielder had been on West Ham’s radar well before the deal accelerated this summer. ReadWestHam reported in July that Engels was one of several Celtic players being assessed following Nils Koppen’s arrival.
Nuno had to go without his new signing at Burnley, instead starting Lewis Orford and Mohamadou Kanté in central midfield.
West Ham led 2-0 before Zian Flemming’s late double earned Burnley a point, giving Nuno several selection decisions to make before Charlton arrive in east London.
Engels should now be part of those conversations.
His arrival gives Nuno another midfielder capable of contributing goals and creativity while also increasing competition for Kanté, Orford and James Ward-Prowse.
West Ham host Charlton at London Stadium at 3pm BST on Saturday 22 August, with the club confirming the fixture details.
After being forced to watch the Championship opener from the sidelines, Engels could therefore finally get his first opportunity in claret and blue.
