£4m star 'keen' to make Celtic transfer dream a reality as negotiations commence over summer deal
Midfield maestro impressed last season in the German second tier
Celtic transfer target Mika Baur is reportedly ‘keen’ on a Parkhead move as the Paderborn midfielder awaits the green light for a Hoops medical.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed earlier in the week that Celtic had agreed ‘personal terms’ with the 22-year old and were now negotiating with the Bundesliga new boys. Baur was a mainstay for Paderborn last season during their promotion-clinching campaign as they defeated Wolfsburg in the relegation play-off. The German maestro made 36 appearances in all competitions last season.
Baur is entering the final year of his Paderborn contract but boss Ralf Kettemann still believes they have the upper hand over the Hoops in negotiations for the player they value at around £4. Should Baur make the Celtic switch, he’d be manager Martin O’Neill’s second signing of the summer, as Colombian striker Camilo Duran remains the solitary new addition thus far.
Baur ‘keen’ on Celtic move
According to Sky Sports: “Celtic are hopeful of agreeing a £4m deal to sign Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur. The Scottish champions have been locked in talks with the Bundesliga club but are yet to reach a full agreement at this stage. Baur, 22, is keen to join Celtic and is awaiting the green light to head to the UK for a medical. Celtic opened talks with Paderborn on Monday night and the clubs have been in negotiations over the past couple of days.”
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 including the Under-21s. Romano confirmed Celtic’s interest in the player earlier this week. He said: “Understand Celtic have reached an agreement with Mika Baur on personal terms. Club to club talks ongoing with Paderborn.”
Paderborn boss not surprised over Baur interest
After a successful season, Kettemann believes it was inevitable that outside noise surrounding his players was going to emerge. He told NW Sport: “It’s nothing surprising. We won promotion to the Bundesliga with the youngest German squad.“It’s only natural that other clubs take notice of these lads. Things have actually been quiet so far.
“Ultimately, it’s nothing out of the ordinary—and that’s how we’re treating it. We have to determine what is best for the club. Ultimately, it is all still hypothetical. The ball is in our court – we get to make the decision. So, we are relaxed about the situation. Weighing up these factors is a complex and challenging task. We always discuss matters as a group.”