Simon Donnelly’s ‘careful what you wish for’ message to Celtic fans

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The Celtic Star

·27 juin 2025

Simon Donnelly’s ‘careful what you wish for’ message to Celtic fans

Simon Donnelly has told Celtic supporters be ‘careful what you wish for’ amid ongoing speculation about Nicolas Kuhn’s potential departure with RB Leipzig, Newcastle United and Como all actively pursuing the Celtic star…

Nicolas Kuhn celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic FC and RB Leipzig at Celtic Park on November 05, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

RB Leipzig is reportedly intensifying their pursuit of the Hoops winger following claims earlier this week that they were in advanced talks to bring back their former player. Reports yesterday suggest that Serie A side Como have also entered the hunt for Kuhn, positioning themselves as potential challengers to RB Leipzig in the bid to sign the Celtic winger.

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Cesc Fabregas’ men had an impressive campaign last season, securing a 10th place finish in their first season back in Italy’s top-flight.

Player of the match Nicolas Kuhn is pushed by team mates to celebrate in front of the Green Brigade at full-time after scoring twice in Celtic s 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig. Celtic v RB Leipzig, UEFA Champions League, Group Stage, Celtic Park, – 05 November 2024. Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

The Scottish Champions stand to earn at least £15 million for a player who impressed during the first half of last season but whose performance level dipped in the second half of the campaign, particularly after the Champions League exit in Munich.

Nevertheless, Kuhn played an influential role for Brendan Rodgers’ side in both domestic competitions and in the Champions League, with his goals against Leipzig in the Champions League clearly catching their attention and other clubs across Europe.

Nicolas Kuhn of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic FC and RB Leipzig at Celtic Park on November 05, 2024 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Now, former Celtic striker Simon Donnelly questions if the Hoops should hurry to offload the German and expresses concern about finding a suitable replacement.

Speaking during his regular Wednesday spot on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Donnelly said: “You can’t argue about his season and his numbers. There was a period where he was attracting a lot of interest because he was doing so well in the Champions League, scoring goals, performing well, and then I thought his form dipped a little bit towards the end of the season.

Daizen Maeda. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Sunday 20 April 2025. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

“But when you look from a wide player, I think his goals and assists were very, very good. At one point, I think he was pushing Daizen Maeda for Player of the Year. Maeda just kept going, he was consistent right through.

“I don’t know how I feel about it. Jota is going to be a little bit away through injury. I’m not sure. It’s one of those ones, careful what you wish for. Can you get somebody to come in and have that many assists and goals, right from the off? We don’t know.”

Nicolas Kuehn of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between FC Bayern München and Celtic FC at Allianz Arena on February 18, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Donnelly added: “Kuhn had a slow start the season before, so we’ll wait and see. They will be doing a lot of work in the background. Wide players are the ones that have been linked, so they are obviously looking in that area again. Whether they know Kuhn’s away, time will tell.”

“I think a striker and maybe a centre-back as well, looking at those areas. I think Kieran Tierney is the signing of the summer. If he comes back and is fit and firing, he’s the top signing so far,” the former Celtic favourite said.

Conor Spence

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