Mika Baur to Celtic: Glasgow club agree personal terms with Paderborn attacking midfielder
Celtic have agreed personal terms with Mika Baur, the 22-year-old Paderborn attacking midfielder, as the move nears completion and could become a significant summer signing.
Celtic have reached agreement in principle with Mika Baur over personal terms, clearing a major hurdle toward a summer transfer. Reports indicate the deal is favored by the player and that the remaining steps should be procedural rather than contentious.
Celtic agree personal terms with Mika Baur
Celtic and Mika Baur are understood to have settled on the player’s contract terms, leaving the clubs to finalise the transfer details. Insiders describe Baur’s preference for a move to Glasgow as a factor that has smoothed negotiations.
The agreement on personal terms reduces the likelihood of a protracted transfer saga and allows both sides to concentrate on the formalities. The next items on the timetable are medical examinations and the finalisation of a fee between the clubs.
From Freiburg academy to Paderborn and his rise
Baur is a product of the Freiburg youth system who joined SC Paderborn in the summer of 2024 for a modest fee. Since relocating, he has established himself as a creative presence, developing into an attacking midfielder capable of influencing the final third.
That progression has been accompanied by wider recognition at national level, including a call-up to Germany’s U21 side and at least one cap. His profile has risen steadily, attracting interest from clubs across Germany and now from Scotland.
2025/26 season performance and statistics
During the 2025/26 campaign Baur featured regularly for Paderborn, contributing directly to goals with both finishes and assists. Across 33 league appearances he recorded four goals and seven assists, figures that underlined his role as a creative link between midfield and attack.
Those numbers helped push his market valuation upward, reflecting both consistent playing time and an ability to contribute in the penalty area. Paderborn’s platform in the 2. Bundesliga allowed him to play with responsibility and showcase traits attractive to clubs looking for young attacking midfielders.
Transfer fee could set Paderborn record
Paderborn paid a low six-figure fee to recruit Baur, and his value has increased substantially since then. The sale is expected to bring a fee well above what the club originally invested and could establish a new transfer record for the East Westphalian outfit.
Paderborn’s previous record was set by a sale in the mid-single millions, and any fee in the region of reported market valuations would represent a notable return on their original outlay. Such an inflow would be important for Paderborn’s sporting budget and operating model.
Interest from Bundesliga clubs and Baur’s preference
Several Bundesliga clubs monitored Baur’s development, with reported interest from teams including Schalke, Mainz and Werder Bremen. Despite that domestic attention, sources say Baur has shown a clear inclination toward a move to Celtic in Glasgow.
A player preference can be decisive in modern transfers, particularly when multiple suitors present comparable sporting projects. Baur’s stated or reported willingness to join Celtic has likely simplified the bargaining dynamic between the clubs.
How Baur could fit into Celtic’s midfield
At 22, Baur brings a blend of creativity and forward impetus that could complement Celtic’s existing options in midfield. His natural role is as an attacking midfielder who operates in and around the penalty area, offering both goals and assists while combining with wide players and strikers.
Celtic would be signing a young player who can be integrated into the first team and developed further, either as a starter or as an option off the bench. The addition would provide tactical variety, particularly if he adapts quickly to the tempo and physical demands of Scottish football.
Medical checks, registration and next steps
With personal terms agreed, the standard next steps are a medical and the completion of a transfer agreement between the clubs. These administrative stages typically include fitness assessments and the exchange of documentation required to register the player for the upcoming season.
Assuming there are no unexpected complications, a formal announcement is likely to follow once the fee is confirmed and paperwork is lodged. Both club and player will want clarity on timing to ensure Baur is available for pre-season planning and competitive registration.
The move for Mika Baur to Celtic represents a significant development for all parties: Paderborn would realise a sizable fee for a homegrown talent, Celtic would add a young creative midfielder to their squad, and the player would join a club offering European exposure and a clear pathway to regular first-team minutes.
