SC Paderborn's midfielder Mika Baur is reportedly on the brink of a transfer to Celtic FC, with the German club allowing the 22-year-old to leave training on Wednesday to facilitate discussions regarding the move. This development indicates that Paderborn's head coach, Ralf Kettemann, is preparing for the departure of one of his key players.
As per reports from the Neue Westfälische, Baur could be undergoing a medical examination with the Scottish Premiership champions as early as Wednesday. The two clubs are actively working to finalize the transfer, which has been a topic of speculation in recent weeks. Initial offers from Celtic were reported to be just under €5 million, but it is believed that the Scottish side has since improved their bid, with estimates suggesting the total could rise to €8 million.
Last week, Get German Football News highlighted that negotiations between Paderborn and Celtic had encountered some obstacles, primarily concerning the transfer fee. Although Baur had already reached an agreement on personal terms with Celtic and expressed a strong desire to join the club, Paderborn was initially holding out for around €5 million while Celtic's offer was approximately £4 million (€4.7 million).
Ralf Kettemann addressed the situation during a press conference, stating, “The transfer isn’t done yet, but I have to assume that it will happen. I have to prepare for it. It’s not as if it wasn’t a live issue before today.” His comments reflect the reality that Baur's potential exit is becoming increasingly likely.
Kettemann also shared the emotional toll of losing a player like Baur, saying, “It hurts both from a sporting and personal perspective. Every player who leaves us hurts.” This sentiment underscores the impact Baur has had at Paderborn, where he has been an integral part of the team's midfield.
Baur's move to Celtic marks a significant step in his career, as he transitions from the Bundesliga to one of the most storied clubs in Scottish football. The midfielder has shown promise during his time at Paderborn, and his skills are expected to bolster Celtic's squad as they compete in both domestic and European competitions.
As the transfer window progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Baur completes his move to Celtic, which would not only enhance his career prospects but also strengthen the Scottish club's ambitions in the upcoming season.
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