The short version
- Celtic have signed midfielder Mika Baur from Paderborn on a four-year deal with an optional extension, following a protracted negotiation process that manager Martin O'Neill described as requiring significant perseverance.
- Baur played a pivotal role in Paderborn’s promotion to the Bundesliga last season, contributing four goals and six assists across 36 appearances, including a decisive playoff victory over Wolfsburg.
- The 22-year-old chose Glasgow over remaining in Germany’s top flight, citing a desire for silverware and positive advice from former Celtic teammate Nicolas Kuhn, while Paderborn plans to reinvest the transfer fee into squad strengthening.
Celtic Football Club has finalized the acquisition of German midfielder Mika Baur from SC Paderborn 07, completing a deal that manager Martin O'Neill characterized as the result of sustained effort and commitment. The 22-year-old has agreed to a four-year contract with an option for an additional twelve months, becoming the fourth player to join the Scottish champions during the current summer transfer window. O'Neill emphasized the difficulty of securing the signing, noting that Paderborn were determined to retain their key contributor following a successful campaign in the second tier.
Baur’s departure marks the end of his tenure at Paderborn, where he was instrumental in ending a six-year absence from the Bundesliga. The midfielder helped guide the club to a third-place finish in the second division last season, which triggered a playoff match against Wolfsburg. Baur featured prominently in that decisive victory, having made 36 appearances across all competitions during the campaign. His statistical output included four goals and six assists, underscoring his importance to the team’s attacking structure and overall success.
The decision to leave Germany for Scotland represents a strategic shift for Baur, who had the opportunity to compete in the Bundesliga immediately had he remained with Paderborn or transferred to another top-flight German club. Instead, he opted for a move to Glasgow, driven by a clear ambition to win trophies. Baur indicated that his choice was influenced by conversations with Nicolas Kuhn, a German winger who previously played for Celtic before moving to Como. Kuhn’s positive assessment of the club and its environment reportedly played a significant role in Baur’s decision-making process.
Paderborn’s sporting director, Sebastian Lange, acknowledged the club’s desire to keep Baur but respected his wish to move despite having less than a year remaining on his contract. Lange stated that the financial terms of the deal were favorable and that the funds would be utilized to strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes. This pragmatic approach allowed Paderborn to mitigate the loss of a key player while maintaining financial stability for future recruitment efforts.
Baur’s career trajectory has been marked by periods of development and loan spells that contributed to his growth as a professional. Originally joining Paderborn from Freiburg, where he played for their reserve team, he did not initially break into the first team at his previous club. A loan move to Dynamo Dresden two years ago proved pivotal, helping them secure promotion to Bundesliga 2. Baur credited this experience, along with guidance from a mindset coach, as crucial factors in his progression and eventual establishment as a regular starter.
Tactically, Baur offers versatility and technical proficiency that align with O'Neill’s requirements for linking play in the midfield. Initially developed as a winger and attacking midfielder, he has recently been deployed as a deep-lying playmaker. This role requires two-footed ability and spatial awareness, attributes that O'Neill highlighted as valuable assets for Celtic. His style has drawn comparisons to Nicolas Raskin of Rangers, suggesting a similar capacity to control tempo and distribute the ball effectively under pressure.
The signing adds depth to Celtic’s midfield options as they prepare for the upcoming season. While Baur focuses on integrating into the squad, attention is also turning to other potential movements involving current players. Reports suggest that West Ham United are interested in fellow midfielder Arne Engels and may submit an improved offer for the Belgium international. This dynamic reflects the ongoing fluidity of the transfer market as clubs balance incoming talent with outgoing assets.
Baur’s background includes a family connection to elite sports, with his father Markus having represented Germany in handball, winning Olympic silver and world championship gold. However, Mika chose football, representing his country at every youth level up to Under-21s. The move to Scotland is viewed as a step toward potentially reaching the senior national team, provided he can maintain high performance levels in a competitive domestic league. His ability to adapt to a new environment and deliver results will be critical for both his personal development and Celtic’s ambitions.
As the transfer window nears its conclusion, Celtic’s recruitment strategy appears focused on securing players with proven potential and immediate impact. Baur’s arrival signals confidence in the club’s ability to attract talent from outside Scotland, even when facing competition from domestic leagues. The management’s willingness to persist in negotiations demonstrates a commitment to strengthening the squad for both domestic and European competitions.
Looking ahead, Baur will need to adjust to the physical and tactical demands of Scottish football while contributing to Celtic’s title defense. His technical skills and versatility provide options for O'Neill in constructing midfield combinations that can control games against varied opponents. The success of this signing will likely be measured by his integration into the team and his ability to replicate the form that made him indispensable at Paderborn.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Celtic perseverance pays off as Paderborn midfielder Baur signs
