Celtic have completed their fourth acquisition of the summer by securing the services of German midfielder Mika Baur on an initial four‑year agreement, with a further year built in as an option. The 22‑year‑old arrives from SC Paderborn in a deal reported to be worth roughly £6.8 million. Baur was a key figure in Paderborn’s promotion campaign, helping the club climb from the 2.
Bundesliga to the top flight of German football. During the 2023‑24 season Baur made 33 league appearances, finding the net four times and delivering five assists. His consistent performances earned him the club’s Player of the Year accolade, underscoring his influence on the pitch.
According to sources at Sky Sports News, Celtic will pay an upfront fee of about £4.5 million, with an additional £2.3 million in performance‑related add‑ons. These bonuses are structured similarly to those attached to other recent signings such as Camilo Duran, Kasper Høgh and Haissem Hassan, meaning a substantial portion will be triggered if Celtic advance to the group stage of the UEFA Champions League. Baur’s footballing journey began in the youth academy of SC Freiburg, where he developed his technical foundation before moving to Paderborn in 2024.
His rapid rise in Germany attracted attention from several clubs, but Celtic’s offer proved decisive. The Scottish champions are set to face Austrian side LASK Linz in a Champions League play‑off tie next week, and Baur could be registered for the competition’s squad as soon as the paperwork is finalized.
Speaking about his move, Baur said: "It’s absolutely the right move for me. Celtic is a great club and I’ve heard incredible things about the fans. I’m in the same agency as Nicolas Kuhn, so I called him to ask a couple of questions and he was very positive.
He told me that if you get the chance, you should just take it. I’ve had a good pre‑season with solid matches and tough training sessions, so I’m in good shape and ready to go." His comments reflect both excitement and a professional readiness to adapt to the demands of Scottish football.
Manager Martin O’Neill expressed his enthusiasm about the new signing: "I am delighted that we have been able to bring Mika to Celtic. He possesses excellent attributes, great technical ability, and will be crucial in linking our play. His versatility is another asset.
After speaking with Mika, I can see his appetite for the challenges here at Celtic and I am confident he will be a valuable addition to the squad." O’Neill also highlighted the competition for Baur’s signature: "Mika’s club in Germany were very keen to keep him, which I fully understand, as he played such an important role in their Bundesliga promotion. However, I am really pleased with the perseverance and commitment we have shown to secure his signing." The manager’s remarks underline the strategic importance Celtic place on securing emerging talent capable of contributing both domestically and in Europe. Baur’s arrival adds depth to Celtic’s midfield, offering a blend of creativity, work rate, and tactical intelligence. His experience in a promotion‑hungry side means he is accustomed to high‑pressure situations, a quality that could prove vital as Celtic aim to compete on multiple fronts – the Scottish Premiership, the domestic cups, and the Champions League.
Moreover, his ability to contribute goals and assists aligns with Celtic’s ambition to increase scoring options from midfield. The financial structure of the deal reflects Celtic’s cautious yet ambitious approach. By front‑loading a modest fee and attaching performance‑related add‑ons, the club mitigates risk while rewarding the player and his former club if the targets are met.
The inclusion of Champions League‑linked bonuses mirrors the club’s broader strategy of incentivising success in Europe, a competition that offers both prestige and significant revenue. Fans can look forward to seeing Baur in Celtic’s upcoming fixtures, beginning with the crucial play‑off against LASK Linz.
If Celtic progress to the group stage, Baur’s name will appear on the Champions League roster, providing him with a platform to showcase his talents on the continent. His integration into the squad will be closely watched, as supporters hope his technical flair and versatility will enhance Celtic’s style of play, which traditionally emphasizes quick passing, high pressing, and attacking intent. In summary, Mika Baur’s signing represents a calculated investment in a young, proven midfielder who has already demonstrated the ability to influence a promotion campaign and earn individual accolades. Celtic’s four‑year contract, with an optional fifth year, ensures a long‑term relationship, while the structured add‑on payments align the player’s success with the club’s ambitions.
As the Scottish champions prepare for a pivotal Champions League qualifying round, Baur’s addition could prove to be a decisive factor in their quest for domestic dominance and European progression.