How West Ham can answer Freddie Potts backlash as upgrade may cost less than net £10m
West Ham United have faced criticism over their decision to allow Freddie Potts to leave.
Though he's officially still on the books in E20, the Rush Green product looks set to join Club Brugge ahead of a permanent exit.
Nuno Espirito Santo showed trust in the 22-year-old last season, who racked up 25 appearances in total for the Hammers.
The trust came after a successful loan spell with Portsmouth, and it felt he was ready to help the Irons get promotion back to the Premier League this term.
There is a medical booked for the Englishman ahead of his expected London Stadium exit, which has enraged fans and others.
However, West Ham can soon make people forget about Potts' impending exit with another transfer.
The transfer that West Ham can cover up Freddie Potts' sale with
Potts is set to undergo a medical on Monday ahead of a move to Club Brugge, with whom he will join in a permanent deal.
The transfer is said to be worth £10.2million, which will act as pure profit for the Hammers, given he came through the academy.
But it's for that same reason that supporters are so frustrated with the decision to let him leave, as they would like to see the London-born youngster thrive for his club.
However, West Ham Zone understands that Celtic's Arne Engels could cost around £20m up front before any possible add-ons.
The midfielder would be a direct upgrade on Potts, and given the former's past experience in the Belgium national team at just 22 years of age, he is a clear improvement at this stage.
Manager Martin O'Neill is "resigned" to lose Engels, who could come to the London Stadium before the start of the season.
With Potts set to leave for £10.2m, West Ham would only be out of pocket by £9.8m in terms of up-front fees to make up the £20m for Engels, which, when put like that, is an absolute steal for someone who has been backed to thrive in the Premier League.
Especially when you compare them both in their respective careers so far.
Arne Engels career so far blows Potts out of the water
There was every chance that Potts could have played a key part in Nuno's midfield for promotion, which would have set him up well for a chance at Premier League football.
However, the internal feeling is that the money offered can clearly be used better elsewhere to fund a replacement, and a move for a better player at that.
Engels has played 98 times for Celtic, scoring on 17 occassions, and assisting 21 goals.
He's helped the Hoops to two out of two league titles, with a brace of domestic cups on the side.
Interestingly, he came through the ranks at Club Brugge, the same club that Potts is set to join.
However, there is a clear distinction in their respective qualities, with West Ham expected to advance on a deal to sign Engels from Celtic.