What's happened
Mika Baur has joined Celtic from Paderborn on a four-year deal for £4.5m, with potential to rise to £6.8m with add-ons. He aims to help Celtic in their Champions League play-off with Austrian side LASK after helping Paderborn win promotion.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- Baur’s move adds a technically gifted winger with Bundesliga experience, crucial for linking play and adding versatility on the flanks.
- The transfer signals Celtic’s intent to compete in Europe this season, particularly with a Champions League play-off looming.
- The fee structure and add-ons suggest a measured investment, balancing immediate needs with long-term potential.
- Nicolas Kuhn’s positive account underlines a tactical fit; expect him to be deployed as a dynamic winger or wide midfielder in upcoming fixtures.
What this means for Celtic
- Celtic are reinforcing their squad ahead of European nights, with Baur’s pace and aggression likely to stretch defenses.
- The readiness to compete is evident as the club seals a deal before next week’s play-off against LASK.
How we got here
Baur, 22, arrives after starring in Germany’s lower leagues and contributing to Paderborn’s Bundesliga promotion. He joins Celtic as Arne Engels departs for West Ham, strengthening Celtic’s options ahead of European fixtures.
Our analysis
The Scotsman (Alan Pattullo) and The Scotsman (Matthew Elder) provide details on the transfer fee, contract length, and Kuhn’s endorsement. Combined, they frame Baur as a high-potential acquisition timed for Celtic’s Champions League push.
Go deeper
- Will Baur start in the leg against LASK or come off the bench?
- How will Celtic lineup to accommodate Baur alongside existing wingers?
- What does this mean for Celtic’s transfer strategy this window?
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SC Paderborn 07 - German association football club based in Paderborn, North Rhine-Westphalia
Sport-Club Paderborn 07 e.V., commonly known as simply SC Paderborn 07 (pronounced [ʔɛs t͡seː paːdɐˈbɔʁn nʊl ziːbm̩]) or SC Paderborn, is a German association football club based in Paderborn, North Rhine-Westphalia. The club currently plays in the Bundesliga in the 2026–27 season. The club has enjoyed its greatest success since the turn of the millennium, becoming a mainstay in the 2. Bundesliga before securing promotion to the Bundesliga in the 2013–14 season. However, they got relegated to the 2. Bundesliga after only a season in the top division, and then again to the 3. Liga the season after. This relegation streak almost continued as low as the Regionalliga West, but Paderborn were saved in the 2016–17 season because 1860 Munich were refused a license, and thus got relegated instead. The club returned to 2. Bundesliga, reaching 2nd place in the 2018–19 season and was promoted to the Bundesliga. The club finished 18th in the 2019–20 season and returned to the 2. Bundesliga.