Mika Baur joins Celtic from Paderborn in £6.8m deal

Celtic have completed their fourth summer signing with midfielder Mika Baur joining on an initial four-year deal, which includes the option for a further year.

The 22-year-old arrives in a deal worth around £6.8 million from German club Paderborn after helping them earn promotion from the 2.

Bundesliga to the top flight. Across 33 league appearances last season, he scored four goals and provided five assists, earning himself the club’s Player of the Year award.

Scottish champions Celtic will pay an initial fee of around £4.5 million, with £2.3 million in add-ons completing the package. Similar to deals struck for fellow summer recruits Camilo Duran, Kasper Høgh, and Haissem Hassan, a significant portion of the bonuses will be triggered if Celtic qualify for the Champions League league phase.

Celtic face LASK Linz in their upcoming play-off tie, and Baur who came through Freiburg’s youth system before moving to Paderborn in 2024 could be registered in time for the squad.

“It’s absolutely the right move. It’s 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,” Mika Baur said.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill added, “I am delighted that we have been able to bring Mika to Celtic. He is a player with some excellent attributes, great technical ability, he will be important in linking our play, and he has real versatility too.”

“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.”

“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.”