Paderborn sporting director Sebastian Lange has confirmed the Bundesliga club rejected a £4million offer from Celtic for midfielder Mika Baur. The Germany U21 international is a key target for the Scottish Premiership side.
Rejection Explained
Lange told German outlet NW Sport that the club turned down the bid without hesitation, citing financial and sporting reasons. “We didn't have to think twice during this transfer window,” he said. The 22-year-old, who joined Paderborn from Freiburg in 2024, missed only one match last season as the club returned to the top flight via the play-offs.
Lange also dismissed speculation about player exits, calling it “nonsense.” He confirmed that all offers received so far have been rejected: “Have there been offers for players during this transfer window? Yes. Are there offers right now? No. Why not? Because we rejected them all.”
Celtic's Summer Activity
Celtic have already made moves this summer, signing Colombian striker Camilo Duran from Qarabag for £6million and agreeing a club-record £11million deal for Bodo/Glimt forward Kasper Hogh, who is undergoing a medical in London before signing a four-year contract. Reports in Germany claim Baur is also on their radar, with suggestions he has agreed personal terms with Celtic, but Lange refuted those reports.
Paderborn's Stance
Earlier this month, Schalke were also said to have had a bid for Baur rejected. Lange emphasized Paderborn are no longer reliant on transfer income: “We are no longer operating at a loss. We aim to finish the Bundesliga season with a profit, too. We are no longer dependent on transfer revenue like we were in the 2. Bundesliga.” He added that the club uses an internal formula to value players, balancing sporting and financial considerations, and wants to keep the squad intact while strengthening further.
