Celtic Football Club have completed the signing of German midfielder Mika Baur, sealing what amounts to their fourth acquisition of the summer transfer window. The 22‑year‑old joins the Scottish champions on an initial four‑year agreement that also contains an option to extend the deal by an additional year, giving the club flexibility to retain his services for the long term.
The transfer fee is reported to be in the region of £6.8 million. Under the terms disclosed to the press, Celtic will pay an upfront sum of roughly £4.5 million, with a further £2.3 million payable in the form of performance‑related add‑ons. Those bonuses are structured in a similar fashion to those attached to other recent Celtic signings such as Camilo Duran, Kasper Høgh and Haissem Hassan, meaning a sizable portion of the contingent payments will only be triggered if the club progresses to the group stage of the UEFA Champions League. Baur arrives from German side SC Paderborn, a club he helped elevate from the 2.
Bundesliga to the top flight of German football. In the 2023‑24 season he featured in 33 league matches, contributing four goals and five assists, and his consistent performances earned him the honour of being named Paderborn’s Player of the Year.
Prior to his spell at Paderborn, Baur spent his formative years in the youth academy of SC Freiburg, where he developed the technical foundation that has become a hallmark of his game. He moved to Paderborn in 2024, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in the midfield and playing a pivotal role in the club’s promotion campaign. The timing of the signing is particularly significant for Celtic, as they prepare for a crucial Champions League play‑off tie against Austrian side LASK Linz next week. Should the club succeed and reach the league phase, Baur could be registered as part of the squad for the competition, adding depth and versatility to a midfield that has already been bolstered by recent arrivals.
His ability to operate in multiple roles – whether as a deep‑lying playmaker, a box‑to‑box engine, or an advanced creator – aligns with manager Martin O’Neill’s desire for tactical flexibility. Speaking about his move, Baur expressed enthusiasm and confidence in his decision. "It’s absolutely the right move for me," he said in a post‑signing interview.
"Celtic is a great club with a fantastic reputation, and I’ve heard amazing things about the supporters. They are known for their passion and loyalty, and I’m eager to experience that atmosphere first‑hand." He also highlighted the influence of fellow professional Nicolas Kuhn, who shares the same representation.
"I’m in the same agency as Nicolas Kuhn, so I gave him a call to ask a few questions. He was incredibly positive and told me that if an opportunity like this comes along, you should just take it. His advice gave me a lot of confidence in making the switch to Scotland." Baur added that his pre‑season preparations have left him in peak condition.
"I’ve had a solid pre‑season with good matches and tough training sessions. Everything has been geared towards getting me ready for the challenges ahead, so I feel fit and prepared to contribute from day one." Martin O’Neill, who has overseen Celtic’s recent rebuilding phase, welcomed the addition of Baur to the squad. "I am delighted that we have been able to bring Mika to Celtic," O’Neill said.
"He possesses excellent attributes – great technical ability, vision, and a strong work ethic – which will be vital in linking our play across the midfield. His versatility means he can adapt to different tactical setups, whether we need him to sit deeper, push forward, or operate on the flanks." The manager also praised Baur’s ambition and mental attitude.
"After speaking with Mika, I can see his appetite for the challenges that come with playing for Celtic. He is eager to prove himself and to help us achieve our objectives both domestically and in Europe." O’Neill acknowledged that Paderborn were reluctant to let the midfielder go, given his importance in their recent promotion. "Mika’s club in Germany were very keen to keep him, which I fully understand – he played a crucial role in their rise to the Bundesliga.
However, we showed perseverance and commitment throughout the negotiation process, and I am pleased that we secured his signature." The arrival of Baur adds another layer of competition for places in a midfield that already features seasoned internationals and promising youngsters. His experience in a promotion‑winning side should prove valuable as Celtic aim to reclaim the Scottish Premiership title and make a deeper run in European competition. Moreover, his proven track record of contributing goals and assists suggests he can add an extra offensive edge, something the club has been seeking after a season where creativity in the final third was occasionally lacking. Beyond the tactical implications, Baur’s signing also reflects Celtic’s broader transfer strategy, which focuses on acquiring young, high‑potential talent from continental Europe at a reasonable cost, while incorporating performance‑related clauses that protect the club’s financial position.
By targeting players like Baur who have already demonstrated the ability to perform under pressure in promotion battles, Celtic hope to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts without overextending their wage bill. Fans of the club have taken to social media to welcome the new signing, with many expressing optimism about the fresh energy he brings. The club’s official channels have also released a short video featuring Baur discussing his excitement about joining Celtic, which has been made accessible via a Chrome‑compatible player for those who prefer a streamlined viewing experience. As the Champions League play‑off approaches, all eyes will be on Baur to see how quickly he adapts to the pace and physicality of Scottish football.
If he can translate his German league experience into impactful performances for the Hoops, he could become a key figure in Celtic’s quest to dominate domestically and make a statement on the European stage. In summary, Mika Baur’s four‑year deal represents a strategic investment for Celtic, combining immediate midfield reinforcement with long‑term potential. The financial package, structured with a modest upfront fee and performance‑linked add‑ons, aligns with the club’s prudent budgeting approach. Baur’s proven ability to contribute goals, assists, and leadership during a promotion campaign suggests he possesses the qualities needed to thrive at Celtic Park and help the team achieve its ambitious targets for the coming seasons.