Arne Engels made his West Ham United debut in a 2-1 Championship defeat against Charlton Athletic, marking a disastrous start for the £22m recruit. The Belgian international played the full 90 minutes but failed to impress, as the Hammers collapsed under pressure. Fans vented frustration on social media, with some calling the transfer a 'robbery' and questioning his readiness for the Championship. Despite the backlash, a few supporters acknowledged his potential, highlighting his solid midfield work and compatibility with Soucek or Orford. Engels, who joined from Celtic for a then-record £11m in 2024, faces high expectations as West Ham aim for an immediate Premier League return. However, a poor start to the season has intensified scrutiny, with the club's relegation battle last term adding pressure. The 22-year-old will need time to adapt to East London, though his winning mentality from Celtic could prove vital. His debut came days after teammate Daizen Maeda also faced mixed reactions to his competitive debut for Ipswich Town.