Celtic’s New Power Trio: Trusty, Engels, and McCowan Set to Dominate Scottish Football

In the final hours of the summer transfer window, Celtic FC made headlines with two sensational moves that have sent shockwaves through Scottish football. The reigning Scottish Premiership champions pulled off a dramatic last-minute signing of Dundee midfielder Luke McCowan and shattered their transfer record with the acquisition of Arne Engels from Bundesliga side Augsburg. These high-profile additions highlight Celtic’s ambitions as they prepare for another challenging season, both domestically and in Europe.

Celtic’s Last-Minute Masterstroke: Luke McCowan

Just when it seemed that Celtic’s transfer activity was winding down, the club announced the signing of Luke McCowan from Dundee in the final minutes of the transfer window. The 26-year-old midfielder, who played a pivotal role in Dundee’s promotion to the Scottish Premiership, signed a three-year deal with Celtic, making him one of the most talked-about transfers of the deadline day.

McCowan’s move to Celtic is a testament to his impressive performances last season, where he scored 10 goals and was named Dundee’s Player of the Year. His leadership qualities were evident as he captained the team in the absence of the injured Joe Shaughnessy. McCowan’s versatility and work ethic will add depth to Brendan Rodgers’ midfield options, providing the team with a creative spark that could prove vital in their quest for silverware.

The timing of McCowan’s transfer added to the drama of the deadline day. Celtic announced his signing just 45 minutes after the window closed, leaving fans and pundits buzzing with excitement. The move underscores Celtic’s determination to strengthen their squad, ensuring they remain competitive on all fronts this season.

A Record-Breaking Deal: Arne Engels Joins Celtic

While McCowan’s signing was a late addition, Celtic’s acquisition of Arne Engels earlier in the day was a record-breaking moment for the club. The 20-year-old Belgian midfielder joined from Augsburg for a reported fee of £11 million, making him Celtic’s most expensive signing in history.

Engels, who has been tipped as one of Belgium’s brightest young talents, was also named in the national squad, further highlighting his potential. Brendan Rodgers was full of praise for the youngster, stating, “His style of play, his energy, and his technical ability really will suit our game model.” Engels is expected to slot into Celtic’s midfield, bringing a blend of creativity, energy, and vision that could make him a key player for the club.

This ambitious signing signals Celtic’s intent to build a team capable of challenging not just in Scotland but also in European competitions. Engels’ arrival follows the earlier signing of United States center-back Auston Trusty from Sheffield United, who joined on a five-year deal. Trusty’s addition to the squad bolsters Celtic’s defensive options, adding strength and experience to the backline.

Brendan Rodgers’ Transfer Triumph

Brendan Rodgers can be proud of Celtic’s transfer activity this summer. The club has managed to secure key signings that address crucial areas of the squad, with the additions of McCowan, Engels, and Trusty being the standout deals. These signings reflect Rodgers’ vision of building a team that is not only dominant in the Scottish Premiership but also competitive in Europe.

Celtic’s transfer business also included some notable departures. Mikey Johnston finalized a move to West Brom, and Tomoki Iwata joined Birmingham, both on permanent deals. These exits make room for the new arrivals and provide them with the opportunity to make an immediate impact.

On the other side of Glasgow, Rangers were also active on deadline day, signing Albania international Nedim Bajrami from Sassuolo and securing a loan deal for Dutch defender Neraysho Kasanwirjo from Feyenoord. These moves show that both Celtic and Rangers are gearing up for a fiercely competitive season, with both clubs strengthening their squads significantly.

A Busy Day Across Scottish Football

Deadline day was not just about Celtic and Rangers, as clubs across Scotland were busy securing last-minute deals. St Mirren announced a season-long loan for former Motherwell striker Kevin van Veen, while Hibernian bolstered their defense with the signing of Jack Iredale from Bolton. Dundee United brought in Wrexham forward Sam Dalby on loan, and Jason Holt returned to St Johnstone on a two-year contract.

These moves highlight the intense competition in the Scottish Premiership, with clubs looking to strengthen their squads in preparation for the new season. For Celtic, the signings of McCowan and Engels represent a statement of intent as they aim to retain their title and make a deep run in European competitions.

As the dust settles on a hectic transfer window, Celtic fans can look forward to seeing their new signings in action. The excitement and anticipation surrounding McCowan and Engels are palpable, and their performances on the pitch will be closely watched as they look to make an immediate impact at Celtic Park.

In other news, read more about Celtic’s Champions League progression chances after the draw on SoccerClan.