Mika Baur Joins Celtic: Aiming for Champions League Glory

Mika Baur has barely unpacked his bags in Glasgow, but his sights are already fixed on the Champions League lights.

The 22-year-old midfielder has completed his move from German side Paderborn to Celtic, arriving in time to be involved in next week’s Champions League play-off against Austrian club LASK. The deal took longer than he wanted, but once it finally went through, there was no doubt in his mind he had chosen the right path.

“I think it's the best next step,” Baur said, speaking about his switch to the Scottish champions. “It's a great club, it's a big club. You play in front of a big crowd, you're dominating the league.”

That dominance at home is only part of the attraction. The real pull for Baur lies under the floodlights.

“You have the international games, the Champions League matches at night on the big stage,” he continued. “I want to show the people and also myself that I'm ready for that. So, yeah, I think it's the right move.”

For now, his first taste of Celtic life is likely to come in more familiar surroundings. Baur could make his debut on Saturday in the League Cup tie against Dundee United, a domestic curtain-raiser before the European tension ramps up.

If he does get on the pitch, Celtic fans won’t have to guess what kind of player they’re watching. Baur is clear about his identity.

“I'm really good on the ball,” he said. “I think I developed myself and my game off the ball last season. So, I'm running a lot, I'm fighting, but I want to be a playmaker, I want the ball at my feet.”

He knows exactly what the coaching staff want from him – and what the supporters demand.

“That's what they expect from me and that's what you guys can also expect,” he added. “That I try my best and leave my heart on the field every time.”

The stage he craves is almost within reach. Now it’s up to Baur to turn that hunger into a place in Celtic’s Champions League nights.