Mika Baur has arrived at Lennoxtown as Celtic’s £6.8 million transfer is close to being finalized.

Celtic are edging closer to completing the signing of Mika Baur after the midfielder arrived at Lennoxtown to complete the final stages of his proposed move from Paderborn.

The 22-year-old has already taken a major step towards becoming a Celtic player after completing his medical and agreeing personal terms with the Scottish champions. The remaining work now centres on finalising the agreement between the two clubs, with the overall transfer reportedly worth approximately £6.8 million.

According to the latest information from the Daily Record, Baur has arrived at Celtic’s training centre with the key components of the transfer already in place. The development follows a breakthrough in negotiations between Celtic and Paderborn, bringing an end to a period of uncertainty surrounding the deal.

Celtic finally close in on Baur agreement

Celtic had been working on a deal for Baur for some time, but negotiations with Paderborn had proved difficult. The German club had previously maintained a firm stance regarding the midfielder’s valuation and rejected an opening proposal from the Hoops worth around £4 million.

That initial offer fell short of Paderborn’s expectations, leaving the two clubs some distance apart in their respective valuations of the player.

However, Celtic have now made significant progress by moving closer to the German club’s £7 million asking price. The latest reported figure of £6.8 million represents a substantial increase on the original bid and appears to have been enough to help unlock the negotiations.

With Baur now physically present at Lennoxtown, confidence is growing that Celtic will be able to complete the transfer shortly.

The midfielder’s arrival at the training base is another indication that the move is approaching its conclusion. Having already agreed personal terms and passed his medical, Baur is now waiting for the final details between Celtic and Paderborn to be completed before his switch can officially be confirmed.

Champions League registration becomes the next priority

While completing the transfer remains Celtic’s immediate objective, attention will quickly turn towards the club’s Champions League campaign.

Martin O’Neill’s side are preparing for a crucial play-off tie against LASK, with the first leg scheduled to take place at Celtic Park next Wednesday. As a result, Celtic are working against the clock to ensure that Baur can potentially be included in their European squad.

UEFA’s primary List A registration deadline is set for 11.59pm on Thursday, August 13. Celtic therefore have only a limited amount of time to complete the necessary paperwork and register their new midfielder if they want him to be available for the upcoming European fixture.

The timing of Baur’s arrival at Lennoxtown could therefore prove extremely important.

Celtic will be hoping that the remaining elements of the transfer can be completed quickly enough for the German midfielder to be registered before the deadline. However, even if they are unable to meet the main cut-off, the situation is not necessarily fatal to Baur’s Champions League involvement.

UEFA rules give Celtic additional breathing room

UEFA regulations provide Celtic with a little more flexibility when it comes to adding players to their squad for the play-off stage.

Under the relevant rules, clubs are permitted to add up to two eligible players until 11.59pm on the evening before the first leg of the tie.

That means a missed deadline on Thursday would not automatically prevent Baur from being involved against LASK. Celtic could still potentially register him later, provided the necessary conditions are satisfied and the required paperwork is completed within the permitted timeframe.

Nevertheless, Celtic will have little reason to delay if they can avoid it.

The Hoops will want their newest signing available as early as possible, particularly given the importance of the Champions League play-off. Qualification would provide a major financial boost to the club, while also offering Baur the opportunity to make an immediate impact on the European stage.

Baur set for Celtic challenge

The midfielder’s imminent arrival represents another significant addition to Celtic’s squad during what has already been an active summer transfer window.

The Hoops have been keen to strengthen their options ahead of another demanding campaign, and Baur’s versatility and technical qualities are expected to give O’Neill another option in midfield.

At just 22 years old, the German Under-21 international also fits the profile of a player who could develop further after moving to Glasgow. Celtic’s willingness to increase their initial offer demonstrates the club’s belief that Baur can become an important part of their plans.

Paderborn’s determination to secure a sizeable fee initially complicated the transfer, but Celtic have ultimately moved closer to the valuation required to get the deal moving.

Now that the player has arrived at Lennoxtown, there is a growing expectation that only the final formalities remain.

For Celtic supporters, the next few hours could therefore be significant. The club must complete the transfer, process the necessary registration and determine whether Baur can be involved against LASK.

With the midfielder’s medical completed, personal terms agreed and negotiations with Paderborn reaching an advanced stage, Celtic appear to be closing in on another major summer signing.

The reported £6.8 million agreement would make Baur one of the club’s notable investments of the window, while his arrival could provide O’Neill with another valuable midfield option.

For now, the priority is simple: get the deal over the line and complete the registration process as quickly as possible. With the Champions League deadline approaching and Baur already at Lennoxtown, Celtic will be eager to ensure that their latest signing does not miss out on the European opportunity by the narrowest of margins.