Mika Baur Opens Up on Celtic Transfer Saga

Mika Baur has opened up on Celtic’s long-standing interest in him after finally completing his move to Parkhead.

The 22-year-old midfielder has signed a four-year deal with the option of a further year, bringing an end to a transfer pursuit that had been developing for some time.

Speaking to CelticPlayer, Baur was asked about the fact Celtic had tracked him for a while and that Martin O’Neill had been keen to get the deal done.

He said: “I’m really happy that it’s done, that I’m here, that I can start, meet the new teammates, meet the fans, and just feel everything new. I’m looking really forward to it.”

The comments show how relieved Baur is to have the move completed after Celtic worked to bring him to Glasgow.

O’Neill has already made clear how highly he rates the former Paderborn midfielder, particularly his technical ability and versatility.

For Baur, though, the focus is now on getting started rather than looking back at how long the move took.

The German arrives having completed a full pre-season, which should help him settle quickly into the squad.

He said: “I’m ready to go.

“I had a good pre-season until today. Good matches, tough training sessions, gym, everything. I’m in good shape, I’m ready to go.”

That should be encouraging for O’Neill, who could have the option of using Baur sooner rather than later.

The midfielder also made clear that he was convinced Celtic was the right destination once the opportunity became serious.

He said: “It’s absolutely the right move. It’s a great club and I’ve heard incredible things about the fans.

“Celtic are the champions. I want to win something, and I think I’m in the right place for it.”

Baur now has the chance to turn Celtic’s long-standing interest into an important role in O’Neill’s midfield, with the player clearly keen to get started straight away.