Celtic are closing in on the £7m signing of German U21 Internationalist Mika Baur from Paderborn. Over three weeks ago, the reports stating that personal terms had been agreed between Baur and the Scottish Champions came out. However, since then, the trail has gone somewhat cold as parties negotiated the fee for the Paderborn POTY.
According to Herald Scotland’s Stephen McGowan, the delay had been down to Paderborn’s resolve not to lose their star player for anything less than a record fee but parties have reached a compromise.
Reports elsewhere indicate that Celtic have agreed to sign Baur for £7m, representing a record fee for the newly promoted Bundesliga outfit. Despite interest from the German top flight, Baur has been eager to make the switch to Celtic and it appears that Celtic have now got their man. It is not clear if the fee mentioned is inclusive of add-ons or not.
Baur is expected to travel to Glasgow ahead of putting pen to paper for a long-term deal after the formalities are confirmed. This deal will allow Reo Hatate to make his anticipated departure from the club this summer.
Celtic have already signed Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh, who impressive acquisitions, but the move for Baur and Hassan represents a change in strategy by the club since Paul Tisdale was dismissed. The club appear to be prioritising quality over quantity, moving out 15 players and replacing them with quality to improve the squad.
A left back to deputise for Kieran Tierney and a goalkeeper to compete with Vil Sinisalo remain on Celtic’s wish list, assuming no one else moves on this summer.
