Celtic Nears Agreement for Paderborn’s Mika Baur Ahead of Summer Transfer
Celtic appears close to finalizing a deal for midfielder Mika Baur, according to a recent update from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The Glasgow club has reached an agreement with Baur and his entourage and is currently negotiating the financial terms with Paderborn. Reports suggest that a fee of around £4 million could secure the player’s services, as his contract is set to expire next summer.
The 22-year-old Germany youth international began his career in the academies of RW Salem, Radolfzell, Stuttgart, and SC Freiburg before securing a consistent spot with Freiburg’s reserve team in the third division. Paderborn signed him for €100,000 in the summer of 2024 but loaned him to Dynamo Dresden six months later due to limited appearances in the second tier.
Baur’s impressive performance in 3. Liga earned him a starting position back at Paderborn in the 2.Bundesliga. He played a pivotal role during the 2025-26 season, helping Paderborn gain promotion to the top division after a playoff victory against Wolfsburg.
Despite offers from the Bundesliga, Baur is expected to choose a move to the Scottish Premiership. Celtic has been criticized by fans for a sluggish transfer window but appears to be intensifying its recruitment efforts. Baur may become the club’s second signing this summer, following Camilo Durán.
Why Celtic Might Bring Him To Parkhead As Engels’ Successor
Celtic’s midfield currently includes strong players such as skipper Callum McGregor and Arne Engels, who have been central to Martin O’Neill’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. Other midfielders like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Paulo Bernardo, Reo Hatate, and versatile Luke McCowan have also contributed in various roles over the past season.
Despite this depth, the Hoops may soon part ways with Engels due to ongoing interest from Nottingham Forest. Additionally, Bernardo and Hatate are likely to be offloaded, leaving Oxlade-Chamberlain and McCowan as the only other options alongside McGregor, who has recently denied any exit rumors.
Although Baur lacks top-flight experience, he impressed in the previous season, contributing four goals and six assists in 33 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga. Typically playing as a ‘number 8’, Baur operates effectively between midfield and attack, also showing skill as a deep-lying playmaker. Although he faces challenges in physical duels due to his smaller frame, his technical skill and box-to-box movement may help him adjust to the intensity of Scottish football. The Celts will need to act quickly to secure his signature.