Celtic transfer target 'awaiting an agreement' between clubs as he stands ready to travel over completing move
Major development could impact transfer timeline
Celtic transfer target Mika Baur was left out of Paderborn’s squad for their friendly against Southampton as the midfielder awaits an agreement between the Hoops and his current employers.
The Germany Under-21 international has emerged as a key target for Celtic - whose transfer window looks more presentable following the signings of seasoned European hitmen Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh. Baur, 22, helped Paderborn win promotion last season but doesn’t look as if he’ll be staying for the ride in the Bundesliga.
Celtic had a previous bid of £4m rejected from the German side as it didn’t meet their evaluation of the player. Baur has been left out of the squad to face Southampton due to a ‘cold’, however, amid the Celtic speculation fans are wondering whether he’s simply holding out for a move.
Baur ‘awaiting an agreement’ between Celtic and Paderborn
According to Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph: “Celtic target Mika Baur has been left out of the Paderborn squad for their pre-season friendly against Southampton today. Paderborn say say the 22-year-old has a cold. Baur is keen to join the Scottish champions and is awaiting an agreement between the clubs, so he can travel. Talks are ongoing.”
Baur came through the academy ranks at SC Freiburg before moving to Paderborn in 2024. Midway through his first season at the Home Deluxe Arena, he was farmed out to Dynamo Dresden to help acquire some minutes under his belt. He has also represented Germany at nearly every youth international level.
Celtic are looking to strengthen their midfield, with maestros Arne Engels and Reo Hatate reportedly on their way out. The Hoops also currently have captain Callum McGregor, Luke McCowan and Paulo Bernardo as midfield options, but are seeking reinforcements.
Paderborn Chief plays down Baur to Celtic rumours
Paderborn Sporting Director Sebastian Lange insists that his club don’t feel pressured into selling Baur despite his contract running out in 12 months. When discussing whether he thought a Celtic deal had already been agreed for the German, he responded via the Sun: “It’s nonsense. I have no idea where this stuff comes from.
“Have there been offers for players during this transfer window? Yes. Are there offers right now? No. Why not? Because we rejected them all. There are sporting and financial reasons for this. Ultimately, we decide what is of interest to us. And everything that came in was, from a financial standpoint, of no interest to us whatsoever. We didn’t have to think twice during this transfer window. Our job remains to stay calm.”