Mika Baur has expressed his determination to win trophies following his transfer to Celtic from Paderborn. The 22-year-old German midfielder has signed a four-year contract with an option for an additional year, becoming the latest addition to the Scottish champions. His arrival follows that of Camilo Duran, Kasper Hogh, Haissem Hassan, and the re-signing of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Baur, a Germany Under-21 international, is awaiting international clearance for his move. He conveyed his readiness to his new club's supporters, stating his eagerness to contribute to the continued success of the Parkhead club. "It's absolutely the right move," Baur told the club's official website. "It's a great club and I’ve heard incredible things about the fans. Celtic are the champions. I want to win something, and I think I’m in the right place for it."
He also sought advice from Nicolas Kuhn, who is represented by the same agency. "I’ve had a good pre-season with good matches and tough training sessions, so I’m in good shape and I’m ready to go," Baur added.
Baur began his career at Freiburg before moving to Paderborn in 2024. After a loan spell at Dynamo Dresden during the second half of the 2024-25 season, he played a role in Paderborn's promotion back to the Bundesliga last season.
Manaager Martin O'Neill, who has returned to work after a minor medical procedure, welcomed Baur to the club. "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," O'Neill said. "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 acknowledged Paderborn's desire to retain Baur, noting, "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."
O'Neill, who was absent from Celtic's recent 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock but delivered a pre-match team talk to the players, reported feeling "Much better than last week anyway. Yeah, a couple of ailments rolled into one, unfortunately, but I’m getting there, which is good news."
Baur's transfer follows Celtic's recent signing of Egyptian winger Haissem Hassan from Real Oviedo. O'Neill anticipates Hassan will make an immediate impact.
"We’d been tracking him in January time," O'Neill said of Hassan. "He very, very much fitted the bill. Going past players now is a sort of a dying art, which is really almost unforgivable in football. That’s what fans get excited about. And actually, to tell you the truth, so do fellow players."
