Celtic Sign Mika Baur for £4.5 Million
Celtic have moved early to arm their midfield for the season ahead, sealing a £4.5 million deal for German Under-21 international Mika Baur – a transfer that could climb to £6.8 million with add-ons.
The 22-year-old arrives from newly promoted Bundesliga side Paderborn on a four-year contract, with an option for a further year, after playing a key role in their surge back to Germany’s top flight. Now he swaps that promotion push for the pressure of defending titles in Glasgow.
From Paderborn hero to Parkhead stage
Baur was one of Paderborn’s central figures last season as they battled their way up to the Bundesliga. His reward is a step into the intense glare of life at the Scottish champions, and he made it clear this was no hesitant decision.
Speaking to the club’s in-house media after signing, Baur revealed he turned to a familiar Celtic face before committing – fellow German and former Parkhead 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 told Celtic Player. “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.”
That call sealed it. Glasgow, Celtic, and a new chapter.
“It’s absolutely the right move,” he said. “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.”
Ready-made for the Champions League test
The timing is no accident. Celtic have completed the deal in time for Baur to be eligible for their UEFA Champions League play-off against Austrian champions LASK, and the midfielder sounds impatient to get started.
“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.”
The lure of those European nights clearly played its part. One in particular stuck with him.
“I remember a Champions League night against Leipzig,” he recalled. “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.”
He has seen Celtic Park only through a television screen. Soon he will feel the roar from the centre circle.
‘I always leave my heart on the field’
Supporters wondering what kind of player is walking through the door didn’t have to wait long for an answer. Baur was clear and unapologetic about how he sees himself.
He calls himself a playmaker.
“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 a very confident, a good technical player and I always leave my heart on the field.
“Everyone can expect that.”
Celtic have bought a young midfielder who wants responsibility, wants the ball, and wants the noise that comes with it. The next question is simple: how quickly can he turn that conviction into influence under the lights at Celtic Park?
