New Celt Baur explains why Hoops switch was ‘absolutely the right move’

HOOP HOPES: New Celtic signing Mika Baur is pictured at the Lennoxtown Training Centre, on August 13, 2026, in Glagsow, Scotland. (Photo by Rob Casey/SNS Group via Getty Images)

Mika Baur signalled his intent to win trophies after joining Celtic from Paderborn.

The 22-year-old German midfielder has joined on a four-year deal with the option of another year and is the latest addition to the Scottish champions, following the arrivals of Camilo Duran, Kasper Hogh, Haissem Hassan and the re-signing of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The Germany under-21 international, whose move is subject to international clearance, told Celtic fans he is “ready to go” as he looks to keep the dominant Parkhead club successful.

“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.

“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.” Baur began his career with Freiburg before joining Paderborn in 2024, and after spending the second half of the 2024-25 campaign on loan at Dynamo Dresden he played his part in Paderborn’s return to the Bundesliga last season.

Manager Martin O’Neill said: “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.”