| Club | West Ham United FC |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Squad number | 7 |
| Age | 22 (born Mon, 8 Sept 2003) |
| Nationality | Belgium |
| Height | 185 cm |
2026/2027 season
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 3 |
| Minutes played | 270 |
| Assists | 1 |
Data: SportMonks · updated 4 Sept 2026
Arne Engels is a Belgium international midfielder who joined West Ham United from Celtic in August 2026.
The 23-year-old wears the No.7 shirt for the Hammers and has quickly become an important part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s midfield during the 2026/27 Championship season.
Engels is a central midfielder who can contribute both in possession and from set-pieces, while his delivery has already become an important attacking weapon for West Ham.
Arne Engels at West Ham
West Ham signed Engels from Celtic on 15 August 2026.
The club confirmed the deal was completed for a record fee paid by an EFL Championship club.
Engels signed a five-year contract, with West Ham also holding an option to extend the agreement for a further season.
He took the No.7 shirt after arriving in east London.
Engels has quickly established himself as one of Nuno’s preferred midfield options.
Read West Ham recently analysed how Arne Engels and Divine Mukasa transformed West Ham’s midfield during the Hammers’ improved run of results.
Arne Engels contract
Engels signed a five-year West Ham contract when he joined from Celtic in August 2026.
That deal runs until 2031, with the club holding the option of a further year.
The long-term agreement reflects the importance West Ham placed on the Belgium international when making him one of the centrepieces of their Championship rebuild.
How old is Arne Engels?
Engels was born on 8 September 2003 in Dendermonde, Belgium.
He turned 23 in September 2026.
How tall is Arne Engels?
Engels is listed at approximately 184cm tall.
His height, physicality and technical ability allow him to operate in several central-midfield roles.
What position does Arne Engels play?
Engels primarily plays as a central midfielder.
He is comfortable receiving the ball from deeper areas, progressing possession and supporting attacks.
He is also a set-piece specialist, providing West Ham with another threat from free-kicks and corners.
That quality was evident when Engels created Konstantinos Mavropanos’ equaliser during West Ham’s 3-2 Championship victory over Bolton Wanderers.
Read West Ham covered the reaction after Engels earned a ‘world-class’ verdict for his delivery.
Arne Engels career before West Ham
Engels began his career in Belgium and developed through Club Brugge’s academy.
He made his professional breakthrough with Club NXT before joining Bundesliga side Augsburg in January 2023.
Engels established himself in Germany before Celtic signed him in August 2024.
He spent two successful seasons in Scotland, winning domestic honours and gaining European experience.
Engels produced 39 direct goal involvements in 100 appearances for Celtic before joining West Ham.
He won two Scottish Premiership titles, the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup during his time at Celtic.
Arne Engels international career
Engels represents Belgium at senior international level.
He made his senior debut in September 2024 after previously representing Belgium across several youth age groups.
Arne Engels West Ham stats
Engels’ latest West Ham appearances, minutes, goals and assists are updated in the statistics table above throughout the 2026/27 season.
Supporters can view every first-team player on our West Ham squad page.
Our West Ham fixtures and results guide also tracks every upcoming Championship and cup match.
