Celtic have announced the arrival of German midfielder Mika Baur, sealing what is now their fourth signing of the summer window. The 22‑year‑old has committed to an initial four‑year deal with the Scottish champions, with an option to extend the contract for an additional year should both parties wish to continue the partnership. The transfer fee is reported to be in the region of £6.8 million. Baur makes the move from 2.
Bundesliga side SC Paderborn, where he played a pivotal role in the club's promotion campaign to the German top flight. Over the course of the 2023‑24 season he featured in 33 league matches, finding the back of the net four times and providing five assists. His consistent performances earned him the club’s Player of the Year award, underscoring his importance to Paderborn’s success.
According to sources at Sky Sports News, Celtic will initially pay roughly £4.5 million, with the remaining £2.3 million payable through a series of performance‑related add‑ons. The structure of the deal mirrors those struck earlier in the window for fellow newcomers Camilo Duran, Kasper Høgh and Haissem Hassan, where a substantial portion of the bonus money is tied to Celtic qualifying for 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 progression at the German club caught the attention of several European teams, but Celtic were able to convince the midfielder that a move to Glasgow represented the ideal next step in his career. The Scottish side will face Austrian outfit LASK Linz in the upcoming Champions League play‑off round, and Baur could be registered for the tie as soon as the paperwork is finalised. In a statement released by Celtic, the midfielder expressed his enthusiasm about the transfer: "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 said, if you have the chance, just do 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." Celtic’s manager, Martin O'Neill, also welcomed the signing, highlighting Baur’s technical qualities and versatility. "I am delighted that we have been able to bring Mika to Celtic," O'Neill said.
"He is a player with excellent attributes, great technical ability, and he will be important in linking our play. He also offers real versatility, which gives us more options across the midfield. 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 added that Paderborn had been eager to retain the midfielder, given his crucial role in their promotion push, but the Scottish club’s persistence paid off. "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, but I am really pleased with the perseverance and commitment we have shown to secure his signing," the manager explained.
The acquisition of Baur reflects Celtic’s broader strategy of blending youthful talent with experienced professionals to sustain competitiveness on both domestic and European fronts. By investing in a player who has already demonstrated the ability to perform under pressure in a promotion race, the club aims to add depth and creativity to its midfield core.
Baur’s proven record of contributing goals and assists suggests he could become a regular fixture in the team’s attacking phases, offering a fresh dynamic to the traditional Celtic style of play. Beyond his on‑field attributes, Baur’s move to Glasgow also carries commercial and fan‑engagement benefits. The German midfielder brings a new cultural dimension to the squad, potentially expanding Celtic’s appeal to a wider European audience. His reputation as a hard‑working, technically skilled player aligns with the club’s ethos, and his enthusiasm for the passionate Celtic fan base promises to strengthen the bond between the team and its supporters.
As the Champions League play‑off approaches, all eyes will be on whether Baur can be registered in time to make an immediate impact. If Celtic succeed in reaching the group stage, the performance‑related bonuses embedded in his contract will be triggered, further justifying the investment.
For now, the midfielder is focused on integrating with his new teammates, adapting to the pace of the Scottish Premiership, and preparing for the high‑stakes matches that lie ahead. Celtic supporters can look forward to seeing Baur don the iconic green and white hoops in the coming weeks, as the club continues its quest for domestic silverware and a deep run in Europe. His arrival adds another layer of excitement to a summer already marked by strategic signings aimed at reinforcing the squad’s quality and depth.
The club has also encouraged fans to tune in via the NOW streaming service for live coverage of the Scottish Premiership, and to follow the action on Sky Sports, ensuring that supporters worldwide can stay updated on Baur’s progress and Celtic’s pursuit of further triumphs.