‘I Have To Assume It’s Going Ahead’ – Coach Makes Huge Admission On Celtic Move For Star | OneFootball

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Paderborn coach Ralf Kettemann has admitted he does expect midfielder Mika Baur to complete a move to Celtic.

Celtic have been chasing the Germany Under-21 midfielder, who has moved into the final year of his contract at Paderborn, and agreed personal terms with him in July.

Paderborn rejected a bid from Celtic though as they felt it did not reflect Baur’s value and were clear they would keep him until next summer if it was not met.

Matters appear to have moved on though and Baur was not present at Paderborn training on Wednesday, with suggestions he is set to have a medical with Celtic as the move is finalised.

That view is echoed by Paderborn boss Ketteman, who thinks the switch to Celtic for the midfielder is likely to happen.

He was quoted as saying by German magazine Kicker: “The transfer isn’t finalised yet, but I have to assume it’s going ahead.

“I have to expect it; it’s not a new topic of discussion.”

For Kettemann, seeing Baur head for the exit door is not a pleasant experience and he added: “It hurts both professionally and personally.”

How much Celtic will be paying for the 22-year-old and how quickly the move can be pushed over the line remains unclear, though there have been suggestions of an €8m fee, but the direction of travel is Baur holding up a Hoops scarf sooner rather than later.

With Celtic at major risk of losing Arne Engels, who they also signed from the Bundesliga, the arrival of Baur will be a big boost for boss Martin O’Neill and his coaching staff.

He would also arrive well in time to feature for Celtic in their Champions League playoff tie, something which had been a major source of criticism of the club’s transfer approach last summer.

For Paderborn, cashing in on Baur makes sense as he could have walked away as a free agent in just a year’s time.