Martin O’Neill Makes Mika Baur Celtic Claim

Martin O’Neill has explained what he believes Mika Baur will bring to Celtic after the German midfielder completed his move to Parkhead.

The 22-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the option of a further year, adding another midfield option to O’Neill’s squad.

Speaking to CelticPlayer, O’Neill made clear that Baur’s technical quality and ability to play in different roles were big factors behind the move.

He said: “I am delighted that we have been able to bring Mika to Celtic.

“He is a player with some excellent attributes, great technical ability, he will be important in linking our play and he has real versatility too.

“Having spoken to Mika, I can see the appetite he has for the challenges here at Celtic and I am sure he will be another great addition to the squad.

“Mika’s club in Germany were very keen to keep him, which I fully understand, as he played such an important role in their Bundesliga promotion, but I am really pleased with the perseverance and commitment we have shown to secure his signing.”

The Celtic manager’s comments give a clear idea of where he sees Baur fitting into the team.

His ability on the ball and versatility should give O’Neill more flexibility in midfield, while the manager also highlighted Baur’s role in linking Celtic’s play.

Baur arrives after playing an important part for Paderborn in Germany, and O’Neill acknowledged that his former club were keen to keep him.

That makes Celtic’s ability to get the deal done all the more significant, with O’Neill praising the work that went into securing the midfielder.

The manager also appears to have been impressed by Baur’s attitude during their conversations before the transfer was completed.

At 22, Baur arrives with plenty of senior football already behind him, but he now faces a different challenge at Celtic.

O’Neill clearly believes he has the technical ability and mentality to handle that step.

The midfielder has also already stated that he is fit and ready to play after completing a full pre-season in Germany.

That could allow him to come into contention quickly as Celtic move into a busy run of domestic and European fixtures.