Celtic to Reject All January Transfer Offers for Mika Baur
Celtic will reject any January offers for Mika Baur, with Martin O’Neill determined to keep his squad intact during the winter window, Yahoo Sports reported.
The 22-year-old German midfielder cost £4.5 million in the summer and has quickly established himself as a regular starter under O’Neill, scoring four goals since his arrival from Paderborn.
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, clubs across Europe’s top five leagues, including Serie A and the Bundesliga, are monitoring the playmaker, with valuations cited by Sky Sports Germany suggesting potential figures between £12.5 million and £16.7 million. Celtic Shorts said that some suitors are reportedly willing to pay up to three times his original fee.
Baur is contracted at Parkhead until 2030 and his agreement contains no release clause, leaving the Scottish champions in a commanding negotiating position, as reported by GlasgowWorld. O’Rourke explained the midfielder’s importance to the side on the Transfer Insider podcast, stating “I think he’s too important to let go, especially midway through the season.”
O’Rourke added “He’s going to be vital for Celtic if they are to retain their Scottish Premiership title, and if they are to progress any further in Europe, he is going to be instrumental in that as well.”
While Baur provides vital creativity in O’Neill’s 4-3-3 formation alongside Callum McGregor, physical limitations remain part of his scouting profile. At 5-foot-8 and slight of build, he can struggle against opponents who deploy a direct long-ball approach and contest second balls, offering less defensive cover than previous midfield personnel. Despite this, his attacking output has surpassed that of predecessor Arne Engels, matching 49 key passes from his final Paderborn campaign.
International recognition followed his strong start in Glasgow when Jürgen Klopp handed the midfielder his senior debut for Germany in October. Bavarian Football Works said that Klopp maintains Baur on standby for future international squads following a strong initial impression, though a recent under-21 call-up was curtailed due to injury.
O’Neill faces more pressing concerns in goal following Kasper Schmeichel’s retirement in May. Sam Johnstone’s season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers has failed to settle the position, leading to ongoing rotation with Viljami Sinisalo. Yahoo Sports reported that Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Balazs Toth has emerged as a realistic January target, with the 29-year-old’s contract expiring in June 2027.
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