Celtic Signs German Midfielder Mika Baur for £4.5 Million
Celtic have moved to strengthen their midfield for the new campaign, sealing the signing of German Under-21 international Mika Baur in a deal worth £4.5 million, rising to a potential £6.8 million with add-ons.
The 22-year-old arrives from newly promoted Bundesliga side Paderborn and has committed to a four-year contract, with an option for a further year, as he swaps a club on the rise in Germany for the established champions of Scotland.
From Paderborn’s promotion push to Paradise
Baur played a central role in Paderborn’s promotion last season, dictating play in midfield as the club climbed into the Bundesliga. That momentum has carried him straight into one of the most demanding environments in European football.
Now, instead of plotting routes through German second-tier midfields, he will be asked to unlock packed defences at Celtic Park and handle the glare of Champions League nights.
He is under no illusions about the scale of the step.
"It's absolutely the right move," Baur told Celtic’s in-house channel. "It's a great club and I've heard incredible things about the fans. Celtic are the champions. I want to win something, and I think I'm in the right place for it."
Nicolas Kühn’s seal of approval
Before committing, Baur picked up the phone. On the other end was a familiar voice with recent experience of the same journey: former Celtic favourite Nicolas Kühn.
"I'm in the same agency as Nicolas Kühn so I called him to ask a couple of questions and he was so positive," Baur explained. "He said, if you have the chance, just do it. He couldn't explain it because, he said, you have to feel it, but he told me it was incredible. And after the call with him, I was sure."
One conversation, and the decision was made. Glasgow, Celtic, and the pressure that comes with a club where trophies are demanded, not hoped for.
Ready-made for a Champions League tilt
The timing is no accident. Celtic have completed the deal in time for their UEFA Champions League play-off against Austrian champions LASK, and Baur expects to be ready from the off.
"I've had a good pre-season with good matches and tough training sessions, everything. So I'm in good shape and I'm ready to go."
His first real taste of Celtic could come under the floodlights, with a group-stage place on the line and a full house roaring every touch. That prospect is part of what drew him to Glasgow.
"I remember a Champions League night against Leipzig," he said. "I watched it on TV, on the couch at home, and you could feel it and see it, the emotions in the stadium. That's what I'm here for.
"That's why everyone is playing football. You want to play in big stadiums in front of a big crowd. It's different, but I think I'm ready for it. So I'm looking forward to it."
A playmaker with personality
So what exactly are Celtic getting? Baur doesn’t hide behind clichés. He describes himself in clear terms: a playmaker, a player who wants responsibility.
"I love to have the ball at my feet, always be there and not be scared to take it," he said. "I think I'm a player who is very confident, a good technical player and I always leave my heart on the field.
"Everyone can expect that."
A young German technician, forged in the intensity of a promotion campaign, now stepping into a club where domestic dominance is expected and European progress is demanded.
The fee, the contract length, the Champions League stage – all of it says the same thing: Celtic are not bringing Mika Baur to Glasgow to wait his turn.
