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August 29, 2024

Sky Report: Augsburg Approves Generous Bid for Engels – Bundesliga

German transfer expert Florian Plettenberg reveals that FC Augsburg has agreed to sell Belgian midfielder Arne Engels to Celtic Glasgow.

According to Plettenberg, Celtic has persuaded FC Augsburg to part with the 20-year-old Belgian talent. Augsburg is set to make a substantial profit on Engels, who was acquired for just €100,000 in January 2023. The player quickly made an impact at Augsburg, and after 18 months, his market value has surged to €9 million.

Plettenberg indicates that Augsburg will receive a base transfer fee of €13 million for Engels. Additionally, a 20 percent sell-on clause could further benefit the Bavarian club. Engels leaves German football with 51 top-flight appearances, three league goals, and five assists from 32 league games last season.

Hoeneß Lauds Stiller and Announces Chase as Starter Against Mainz

At a press conference on Thursday, VfB Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeneß discussed Angelo Stiller’s inclusion in the German national team.

Hoeneß also shared some exciting news regarding his lineup for this weekend’s match against Mainz. Newcomer Anrie Chase is set to start on Saturday.

Hoeneß expressed his delight at Stiller’s selection for the German national team. The VfB Stuttgart manager, who had long advocated for the young talent, previously coached Stiller during his time with Bayern Reserves and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.

“He totally deserved it and performed at a top level for many months,” Hoeneß remarked about his protege during his Thursday pre-match press conference. “After the departures from the national team, it’s a perfect fit because he’s able to help shape a game whilst hanging close to the back-line. He has everything he needs to play a positive role in the national team. That’s my firm conviction.”

During his press conference, Hoeneß shared some intriguing news about another young talent. Following a defeat to Leverkusen in the SuperCup and a surprising loss to Freiburg in the league opener, Stuttgart is keen on finding promising performances. Hoeneß expressed satisfaction with 20-year-old defender Anrie Chase’s solid 90-minute display in the Pokal win and confirmed that Chase will start against Mainz.

Having been promoted to the senior squad this summer, the Japanese youth international with American heritage also made a positive impact off the bench in the Freiburg game. Hoeneß clarified at the Thursday press conference that Chase will be starting alongside Jeff Chabot in central defense, even though the Swabians are still in the market for another center-back this week.

“We are consciously opting for Anrie,” Hoeneß stated on Thursday “He will play because he has done well and convinced us that he can handle the situation. He did well against Freiburg, and I thought his body language was good against Münster. It will naturally be a huge difference against Mainz, but we trust him to solve it.”

Tah’s Agent Applies Urgent Pressure on Leverkusen: “Jona Wants to Move’’

In a development that hardly seems possible at this stage, the transfer saga involving German national team defender Jonathan Tah will get messy over the next 48 hours. 

Statements from Tah’s famous footballing agent, Pini Zahavi, have placed Bayer 04 Leverkusen under extreme pressure to move the player before the transfer window closes. 

The “on again, off again” transfer saga involving Germany national team defender Jonathan Tah is now most assuredly “on again.” Jonathan Tah’s possible transfer from Bundesliga champions Bayer 04 Leverkusen to German record holders FC Bayern München might actually go through, as harsh public remarks from Tah’s renowned agent, Pini Zahavi, could compel Leverkusen to act.

Tah began working with Pini Zahavi—who also represents former Bayern star Robert Lewandowski—in the spring of 2023. This shift in representation indicated Tah’s desire to leave Germany’s top club. Now, it seems Zahavi is determined to ensure that Tah fulfills this objective. Zahavi has told Germany’s “Sport Bild” that Tah remains keen on making a move before the transfer window closes.

“We want to avoid a player as deserving as Jona leaving the club on a free transfer this summer,” Zahavi told the tabloid, confirming that Tah is not interested in renewing his contract, which ends at the season’s close. “We have had several offers in recent weeks rejected despite his express wishes. We need to find a short-term [within the next 48 hours solution.” e

“Jona made the decision to leave Bayer Leverkusen early this summer and communicated it to the club in several personal meetings.” Zahavi added, “After nine years at Bayer, including the historic championship title last season, Jona now wants to take the next step in his career.”