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 joins the Scottish champions on an initial four‑year contract that includes an option for an additional year, signalling a long‑term commitment from both player and club.
The transfer fee is reported to be roughly £6.8 million in total. According to Sky Sports News, Celtic will pay an upfront amount of about £4.5 million, with a further £2.3 million payable through performance‑related add‑ons. These bonuses are structured similarly to those attached to other recent acquisitions such as Camilo Duran, Kasper Høgh and Haissem Hassan, meaning a substantial portion of the extra money will be triggered if Celtic qualify for the group stage of the UEFA Champions League.
Baur arrives from German side SC Paderborn, a club he helped promote from the 2. Bundesliga to the top flight last season. During that campaign he featured in 33 league matches, finding the net four times and providing five assists. His contributions were recognised by the club when he was voted Paderborn’s Player of the Year, underscoring his influence on their successful promotion push.
Before his stint at Paderborn, Baur developed through the youth system at SC Freiburg, where he honed the technical skills and tactical awareness that have become his trademarks. He moved to Paderborn in 2024, quickly establishing himself as a versatile midfield option capable of linking defence and attack, delivering precise passes, and contributing defensively when required.
The timing of the signing is particularly important for Celtic, who are set to face Austrian side LASK Linz in the Champions League play‑off round next week. Celtic hope to register Baur for the European squad, adding depth and creativity to a midfield that will need to cope with the rigours of continental competition. If the club progresses to the league phase, the additional financial incentives tied to Baur’s deal will come into effect, providing a welcome boost to the club’s finances. On his move, Baur expressed enthusiasm about joining the Glasgow giants.
"It’s absolutely the right move for me," he said in his introductory statement. "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 so positive.
He said, if you have the chance, just do it. I’ve had a good pre‑season with good matches and tough training sessions, everything.
So I’m in good shape and I’m ready to go." Manager Martin O'Neill also welcomed the addition, highlighting Baur’s technical qualities and adaptability. "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.
Having spoken to Mika, I can see the appetite he has for the challenges here at Celtic and I am sure he will be another great addition to the squad." O'Neill added that Baur’s former German club had been eager to retain him, reflecting the midfielder’s pivotal role in their promotion campaign. "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 Celtic boss explained. Baur’s arrival expands Celtic’s midfield options, giving manager O'Neill more flexibility in both domestic and European fixtures. The young German can operate centrally, drift wide, or drop deeper to support the back line, making him a valuable asset in various tactical setups.
His proven record of goal contributions, combined with a strong work ethic, aligns well with Celtic’s ambition to compete for the Scottish Premiership title while also making a deeper run in Europe. The signing also reflects Celtic’s broader recruitment strategy this summer, which has focused on adding youthful talent with experience in competitive leagues.
By securing Baur on a long‑term deal, the club not only strengthens its present squad but also invests in a player who could develop further and become a cornerstone of the team for years to come. Fans can look forward to seeing Baur in action soon, potentially as early as the upcoming Champions League play‑off against LASK Linz. If Celtic progress, his impact could be felt on a larger stage, offering the midfielder a platform to showcase his abilities against some of Europe’s elite clubs. In summary, Mika Baur’s move to Celtic represents a strategic acquisition for a club aiming to balance domestic dominance with European ambition.
With a sizable transfer fee, performance‑linked add‑ons, and a four‑year contract, the deal underscores Celtic’s confidence in the midfielder’s potential to contribute significantly both now and in the future.