Celtic are closing in on a significant midfield addition from Germany that could reshape their squad for the season ahead. A highly rated young talent who starred in the second tier last term has made his preference for a move to Parkhead crystal clear, putting real pressure on negotiations that have gathered serious momentum in recent days.
With the Scottish Premiership campaign about to get underway, the next 24 to 48 hours are being viewed as decisive by those close to the talks.
The player in question is 22-year-old Germany Under-21 international Mika Baur of SC Paderborn. According to exclusive information obtained by TEAMtalk, Baur has formally informed his current club of his desire to join the Scottish champions this summer.
That stance has accelerated discussions between the two clubs and brought them significantly closer to an agreement than seemed possible only a short time ago.
Personal Terms Already Agreed
Personal terms between Baur and Celtic are understood to have been settled. The midfielder has agreed a long-term contract that reflects both his potential and the ambitions of the Glasgow club in domestic and European competition. His agent was in Glasgow in recent days working through the final details, underlining how advanced the process has become on the player’s side.
Celtic have responded by submitting an improved offer valued at €3.5 million plus a further €1 million in add-ons. That package takes the total potential fee to €4.5 million and narrows the gap on Paderborn’s reported €5 million asking price. Sources close to the negotiations indicate the two clubs are now much nearer a deal, with a formal decision expected within the next 48 hours. The coming 24 hours in particular are being treated as crucial.
Why Baur Fits Celtic’s Plans
Baur emerged as one of the standout performers as Paderborn secured promotion back to the Bundesliga last season. Comfortable operating in central midfield or in more advanced positions, his versatility has drawn interest from several clubs across Europe. Yet the player himself has made it clear that Parkhead is his preferred destination. That firm preference has increased the pressure on Paderborn to reach a compromise rather than risk losing a key asset on less favourable terms later in the window.
For Celtic, the signing would provide valuable depth and creativity in midfield at a time when the squad is being reshaped. Manager Martin O’Neill is understood to be keen on adding options who can contribute immediately while also offering long-term upside. Baur’s arrival would help offset the expected departure of Arne Engels, who continues to attract attention from Tottenham Hotspur and other clubs. Replacing a player of Engels’ quality is never straightforward, but the profile of the German under-21 international offers a different blend of energy, technical ability and positional flexibility that could prove useful across multiple systems.
Paderborn’s Position and the Pressure of Time
Paderborn had previously rejected lower bids and indicated a willingness to keep Baur for their return to the top flight. The promotion campaign was built in part around the contributions of several key individuals, and the club understandably want to retain as much quality as possible. However, when a player of Baur’s age and standing makes his intentions known so clearly, the dynamic of negotiations changes. Retaining an unhappy player who has already agreed terms elsewhere can create complications both on and off the pitch.
Both clubs recognise the need for swift progress. The Scottish Premiership season begins on Friday, and Celtic would prefer any new arrivals to complete medicals and integrate as early as possible. If the remaining financial difference can be bridged in the next day or two, Baur could be in a position to complete his medical and join the squad in time for the opening fixtures. That timeline adds urgency to discussions that have already moved a considerable distance in a short period.
What the Deal Would Mean for Celtic
Should the transfer be completed, it would represent another significant piece of business for the Scottish champions as they look to maintain their dominance in domestic football while remaining competitive in Europe. Celtic have been active in strengthening key areas of the squad, and midfield depth remains a priority given the demands of a long campaign that includes league, cup and continental commitments.
Baur’s profile also fits the club’s recent pattern of recruiting young, high-upside players who can develop further under the coaching staff while contributing in the short term. At 22 he still has considerable room for growth, yet he already possesses the experience of a successful promotion campaign and international recognition at under-21 level. That combination of proven performance and future potential makes him an attractive target for a club that balances immediate competitiveness with longer-term squad building.
The coming hours will determine whether the remaining gap on the transfer fee can be closed. Paderborn hold a strong hand given their valuation and the player’s importance to their own plans, but Baur’s clear preference for Celtic has shifted the balance. Those close to the talks believe both sides now recognise that a deal is achievable if a degree of flexibility is shown on the final figure and structure of the payment.
For supporters watching the transfer window closely, this is one of the more intriguing developments of the summer. A young German midfielder who has already agreed personal terms, with his agent recently in Glasgow and an improved offer on the table, suggests Celtic are serious about landing their target. Whether the final agreement can be struck in time for the new season remains to be seen, but the momentum is clearly with the Scottish champions at this stage.
As the clock ticks down on what both clubs view as a critical period in the negotiations, all eyes will be on developments over the next 24 to 48 hours. If the deal is completed, Mika Baur could be the latest addition to a Celtic squad looking to continue its domestic dominance while preparing for the challenges that lie ahead in Europe. The story is still unfolding, and further updates are expected as talks continue.