SC Paderborn are resisting Celtic FC’s attempts to sign attacking midfielder Mika Baur, with the newly promoted Bundesliga club insisting they feel no pressure to sanction a transfer. Sky Germany reports that the German side are prepared to retain the 22-year-old for the entire 2026-27 campaign despite his contract having just two years remaining.
The Scottish champions have identified Baur as a target ahead of the new season, but Paderborn’s stance is unequivocal: they will not cash in on the player this summer merely to secure a fee. Instead, the club is willing to risk losing him without receiving any transfer compensation when his deal expires in the summer of 2027.
Baur’s rise and Celtic precedents
Baur was instrumental in Paderborn’s promotion from the 2. Bundesliga last term, contributing four goals and three assists as the eastern club secured their place in Germany’s top flight. His creative output has drawn admiring glances from Glasgow, where Celtic have established prior trading links with the North-Rhine Westphalia outfit.
German winger Nicolas Kühn previously made the switch from Paderborn to Celtic before the 2024-25 season and subsequently enjoyed a productive campaign with the Scottish giants. That transfer created a pathway between the clubs, though Paderborn’s current position suggests they are determined to delay Baur’s departure for at least another year regardless of Celtic’s interest.
Contract impasse
The German club’s approach highlights the increasing trend of newly promoted sides prioritising short-term survival over immediate financial gain. By retaining Baur, Paderborn strengthen their attacking options as they prepare to compete against established Bundesliga opposition, even at the risk of losing the player for nothing in 2027.
With Baur featuring prominently in the club’s plans for their return to the top flight, any immediate move to Celtic Park appears to have stalled. The situation leaves Celtic facing a dilemma: either meet valuation expectations that reflect Paderborn’s desire to keep their asset, or turn their attention elsewhere while monitoring whether the German club’s resolve weakens as the transfer window progresses.