youth academy

Arne Engels, a promising talent at Celtic, shares a unique connection with RB Leipzig star Lois Openda, as the two once attended the same boarding school during their formative years at the Club Brugge youth academy. Engels is excited to reunite with his Belgian friend in the high-stakes setting of the Champions League, a platform both players have ascended to after pursuing successful careers abroad. Reflecting on their history, Engels acknowledges the significant journey they’ve each undertaken, particularly admiring Openda’s growth and skill.

Engels reminisced about their time at boarding school, admitting that, as a younger student, he didn’t interact closely with Openda then but still remembers watching him play at an advanced level. Now, it’s a delight for Engels to see familiar faces, including other Belgians like Antonio Nusa, when they cross paths in international competitions. He credits his time at Brugge as crucial preparation for his own move abroad, first to Augsburg and now to Celtic. Reflecting on his early career, Engels recalls the camaraderie that made those days so memorable, explaining how spending time with close friends in a boarding environment helped him mature and prepared him for the challenges of living far from home.