Celtic have taken a significant step forward in their summer recruitment plans after reaching an agreement with German side for the signature of midfielder .
The deal, reported to be worth a total of £6.8 million, represents one of the more notable pieces of business completed by the Scottish champions in the current transfer window.
According to reports emerging on Wednesday, the two clubs have settled on a package that includes an initial fixed fee of around £4.5 million, with a further £2.3 million available in performance-related add-ons.
A substantial portion of those add-ons is understood to be linked to Celtic’s progress in European competition, particularly qualification for the league phase of the UEFA Champions League.
The 22-year-old is expected to travel to the United Kingdom in the coming days to undergo a medical examination. Once that process is successfully completed, Baur is set to put pen to paper on a long-term contract with the Parkhead club, with some sources indicating the deal could run for five years.
Who Is Mika Baur?
Mika Baur was born on 9 July 2004 in Salem, a town in the Baden-Württemberg region of southern Germany near the Swiss border. Standing at approximately 172cm, the midfielder is known for his technical ability, composure on the ball, and versatility across central areas of the pitch.
He primarily operates as a central midfielder but has also been deployed in more advanced attacking roles. Scouts and analysts have frequently praised his passing range, vision, and capacity to contribute both defensively and in the final third. He is comfortable with both feet and has shown an ability to shoot accurately from distance.
Baur came through the youth ranks at SC Freiburg, one of Germany’s most respected academies for developing technical midfielders. After progressing through the age groups, he gained senior experience with Freiburg’s reserve side in the lower divisions before making the move to SC Paderborn.
His time at Paderborn has been particularly productive. Last season he played a key role as the club secured promotion back to the Bundesliga via the play-offs. Across all competitions he made more than 30 appearances, contributing goals and assists while demonstrating consistency and maturity beyond his years.
Internationally, Baur has represented Germany at various youth levels, including the under-21 side. His performances at club level have not gone unnoticed, and several Bundesliga clubs were credited with interest in him before Celtic moved decisively to secure his services.
How the Deal Came Together
Talks between Celtic and Paderborn had been ongoing for several weeks. Earlier in the summer the German club had rejected lower offers, with their sporting director publicly stating that previous bids did not meet their valuation. Paderborn, newly promoted and keen to strengthen their squad for the Bundesliga, were initially reluctant to sell one of their standout young talents.
However, the player himself is understood to have expressed a clear desire to join Celtic. That willingness helped create momentum in negotiations. Personal terms were agreed relatively early, removing one potential obstacle. The final breakthrough came when Celtic improved their overall package to the reported £6.8 million figure, satisfying both the fixed fee and the structure of add-ons that Paderborn sought.
The involvement of experienced intermediaries with strong connections in both Scottish and German football is also believed to have played a role in bridging the gap between the two clubs. Once the financial framework was accepted, attention turned to the practicalities of the medical and the formalisation of the player’s contract.
What Baur Could Bring to Celtic
Celtic’s midfield has been an area of focus this summer. With the potential departure of certain established players and the demands of competing on multiple fronts, the addition of a young, energetic, and technically gifted midfielder addresses several squad needs at once.
Baur’s ability to play in different midfield roles gives the manager tactical flexibility. He can operate as a progressive central midfielder who looks to receive the ball in tight spaces and drive the team forward, or he can drop deeper to help control the tempo of games. His work rate and willingness to press also align with the high-intensity style often associated with successful Celtic sides.
At 22, he still has significant room for development. Playing regularly in the Scottish Premiership and in European competition should accelerate his growth. Celtic have a strong track record of integrating young talents from continental Europe and helping them reach a higher level, and Baur appears well suited to that pathway.
Supporters will also be encouraged by the structure of the deal. An initial outlay of £4.5 million for a player of his profile, with further payments tied to on-pitch success, represents sensible financial planning. It allows the club to invest while protecting against the risk of the player failing to settle or perform.
Wider Context of Celtic’s Summer Window
The agreement for Baur comes at a busy time for Celtic. The club has already strengthened other areas of the squad and continues to work on additional targets as the transfer window progresses. The timing is particularly relevant given the approaching Champions League qualifying campaign, where depth and quality in midfield will be crucial.
Fans have been calling for decisive action in the market, and the completion of this deal will be viewed as a positive response. Securing a highly rated young German international midfielder for a fee in the region of £6.8 million demonstrates ambition while remaining within a sustainable financial framework.
There is also an element of competition involved. Several clubs in Germany were monitoring Baur’s situation, and Celtic’s ability to convince both the player and his current club of their project is a notable achievement. It sends a message that the Scottish champions remain an attractive destination for ambitious young players looking for regular first-team football and the chance to play in Europe.
What Happens Next
The immediate next step is the medical. Baur is expected to arrive in Scotland shortly to complete the necessary assessments. Provided everything goes smoothly, the formal announcement of the transfer should follow soon afterwards.
Once registered, the midfielder will begin training with his new teammates and start the process of adapting to life in Glasgow and the demands of Scottish football. Integration into the squad will be important, particularly as Celtic prepare for a demanding schedule that includes domestic league matches and European ties.
For Paderborn, the sale of Baur generates a significant fee for a player who had only limited time left on his contract. The money can be reinvested into their own squad as they look to establish themselves back in the Bundesliga.
A Statement of Intent
In many ways, the capture of Mika Baur feels like a classic piece of Celtic business: identifying a talented young player with high potential, moving quickly once interest is confirmed, and structuring a deal that balances ambition with prudence. At £6.8 million, the overall package is substantial without being excessive, and the player’s profile fits the type of signing that has historically succeeded at the club.
Supporters will now wait for the formal confirmation and the first sight of Baur in a Celtic shirt. If he can translate his performances from the German second tier into consistent contributions in the Premiership and Europe, this could prove to be one of the more important acquisitions of the summer.
For now, the key fact remains clear. Celtic have agreed a deal worth £6.8 million for Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur. The medical awaits, the contract is close, and a new chapter in the career of a highly regarded young German midfielder is about to begin in Glasgow.
The coming days will bring the final formalities, but the heavy lifting in negotiations has already been completed. Celtic have their man, and the focus now shifts to ensuring the transition is as smooth as possible so that Baur can begin contributing on the pitch as soon as he is ready.