Celtic may be forced to fend off renewed interest in Nicolas Kühn after Serie A side Como moved one step closer to a sizeable deal for Real Betis winger Jesús Rodríguez.
Managed by Cesc Fàbregas, the Italian side have splashed a reported €28 million to land the 19-year-old following his breakthrough campaign in Spain.
Rodríguez made 44 appearances across domestic and European competitions last season, chipping in with five goal contributions.
But it’s the knock-on effect that could prove more significant for Celtic. Como are on the hunt for wide players and, according to reports in Italy, want two before the window closes. With Rodríguez now secured, attention is likely to shift back to Kühn, a player they’ve tracked for some time.
Kühn, who joined the Hoops from Rapid Vienna in January 2024, has quickly become a key figure under Brendan Rodgers. The German attacker finished his first half-season at the club with 21 goals and 15 assists from 51 outings, playing a vital role in a trophy-laden campaign.
Celtic have made their position clear, they’re under no obligation to sell. But the money now changing hands on the continent raises fresh questions about the winger’s market value.
Celtic’s Nicolas Gerrit Kuhn in action with Kilmarnock’s Robbie Deas REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
If Rodríguez is worth close to €30 million based on half a season of top-flight football, what price would Kühn command after starring in domestic success and showing up in the Champions League?
With RB Leipzig also reportedly weighing up a move, the Hoops may yet be tested with firm offers. For now, though, Kühn remains central to Rodgers’ plans as Celtic gear up for the new campaign.
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Well to be fair Kuhn only delivered in half a season for Celtic too. He is also 6 years older than Rodriguez. He has played in lesser quality leagues such as the SPL and Austria. He isn’t gonna be worth £25m. £20m tops for me but the issue is Celtic ARE NOT making the transfer because we NEED the money.
We are selling because Nico Kuhn clearly doesn’t want to be at Celtic. His performances, his attitude and behaviours all implied that for the past half a year/2nd half of the season. He was happy to turn it up in the Champions League but quickly he realised he didn’t want to turn it on against St Mirren or Aberdeen.
It’s Celtic’s responsibility to get as much cash as we can for a player who wants to leave. If Kuhn didn’t want to leave we wouldn’t be selling him it’s that simple. The fact we are selling him and entertaining offers confirmed to me Nico didn’t want to be here. Fine. Cya later. You’ll regret it like 90% of Celtic signings who leave do.
I’d love to have an honest list of the Celtic players who wanted to leave and their careers turned to regret. It’s more than players who left and actually progressed to a consistent higher level.