Reo Hatate may be used as a bargaining tool in Celtic’s bid to sign Mika Baur.

Celtic’s pursuit of Mika Baur could potentially take an unexpected turn, with Reo Hatate emerging as a possible bargaining tool in negotiations with Paderborn.

The Hoops are preparing to complete their third summer signing in Haissem Hassan, but their interest in Paderborn midfielder Baur remains strong. However, despite an agreement reportedly being reached with the German Under-21 international on personal terms several weeks ago, the transfer has stalled because Celtic and Paderborn have been unable to agree on the player’s valuation.

Mika Baur of SC Paderborn reacts during the 2. Bundesliga match between SV 07 Elversberg and SC Paderborn 07 at Ursapharm-Arena on May 03, 2026 in Spiesen-Elversberg, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Baur is believed to be valued at approximately £5 million by the newly promoted Bundesliga club. Celtic have already spent heavily this summer, including around £25 million on Camilo Duran, Kasper Hogh and Hassan, yet a deal for Baur has proved unexpectedly complicated.

The exact reason for the prolonged disagreement has not been made entirely clear, but the situation has left the midfielder’s proposed move to Glasgow in limbo.

Baur still wants Celtic move

Paderborn, Home Deluxe Arena, 25.05.26, GER, Herren, R, SC Paderborn 07 – VfL Wolfsburg Bild: Mika BAUR Paderborn DFL . Photo IMAGO / Ulrich Hufnagel

Baur is reportedly keen to leave Paderborn and make the switch to Celtic. The German midfielder sees his future away from the newly promoted side, despite having only one year remaining on his existing contract.

Paderborn, however, are determined to receive the best possible financial return for one of their prized players.

After Celtic’s initial proposal reportedly fell short by only a few hundred thousand pounds, Paderborn appear to have increased their valuation. Such a move could potentially be an attempt to discourage Celtic from continuing their pursuit.

The German club must also consider the possibility of Baur remaining for another season before signing a pre-contract agreement with Celtic or another interested club in January. If that happens, Paderborn could eventually lose the player for considerably less than they are demanding now.

That situation makes Celtic’s own squad potentially relevant to the negotiations.

Could Hatate be the solution?

Celtic have another talented midfielder whose future at Parkhead is also uncertain.

Mika Baur SC Paderborn,14, Football Bundesliga season 2025 2026 VfL Wolfsburg vs SC Paderborn at the Volkswagen Arena in Wolfsburg Germany 21 May 2026. Photo IMAGO / Christian Schroedter

Reo Hatate has reportedly expressed a desire to leave the club and has previously made it clear that he wants to experience football in one of Europe’s major leagues.

The Japanese international is the final remaining member of the Japanese contingent recruited during Ange Postecoglou’s time at Celtic. Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda have already moved on in search of new challenges.

Maeda left Celtic this summer to join newly promoted Premier League club Ipswich Town, while Hatate could potentially follow a similar path by moving to Germany and joining Paderborn.

That raises an interesting possibility for Celtic.

Rather than attempting to complete a straightforward cash transfer for Baur, could the Scottish champions offer Hatate as part of a player exchange?

A potential swap could suit everyone

On the surface, the situations surrounding the two midfielders appear remarkably similar.

Baur wants to leave Paderborn and join Celtic, while Hatate reportedly wants to move away from Glasgow and test himself in one of Europe’s top-five leagues.

That makes a potential swap deal an intriguing proposition for all parties.

This remains only an idea rather than a reported proposal, but it could make sense from a footballing and financial perspective.

Hatate has previously spoken about his ambition to play in one of Europe’s leading domestic competitions, and the Bundesliga would provide him with exactly that opportunity.

At 28, the Japanese midfielder could still command a fee of around £5 million, particularly given his experience and proven performances.

That figure is broadly comparable with the amount Paderborn are reportedly demanding for Baur.

Celtic have tried this approach before

There is even a recent precedent for Celtic using a player exchange to complete a transfer.

The Hoops previously agreed a deal with Rennes that involved Jota moving in the opposite direction as part of the arrangement that brought Kyogo Furuhashi to the club.

A similar structure involving Hatate and Baur could therefore be explored.

Celtic could effectively test Paderborn’s determination by offering Hatate as part of the package rather than simply paying the full cash valuation.

If additional money were required to complete the transaction, it could still be considered worthwhile if it allowed Celtic to secure a player they clearly want while helping Hatate find a new challenge.

Hatate could benefit from fresh start

From Hatate’s perspective, a move could also represent an opportunity to revitalise his career.

The midfielder is reportedly keen to leave Celtic and appears to have fallen down the pecking order under Martin O’Neill for reasons that are not entirely clear.

His controversial red card against Bologna last season may have influenced the manager’s opinion, although that remains speculation.

Whatever the reason, keeping an unhappy player is rarely an ideal situation.

A move to Paderborn would give Hatate the chance to play regularly in the Bundesliga and demonstrate his quality in another major European league.

For Paderborn, meanwhile, acquiring a motivated and experienced midfielder could be highly valuable as they attempt to establish themselves in Germany’s top division.

Hatate offers experience Baur cannot

Hatate would bring qualities that make him an appealing replacement for Baur.

Unlike the younger German midfielder, Hatate already has international experience and has competed at Champions League level during his Celtic career.

Those experiences could prove valuable to Paderborn as they prepare for the demands of Bundesliga football.

A fully motivated Hatate would potentially be an excellent addition to their midfield and could help them avoid becoming involved in a relegation battle.

The Japanese playmaker has already demonstrated his technical quality in Scotland, and a change of environment could allow him to rediscover his best form.

From Celtic’s perspective, the move could simultaneously solve two problems.

Baur would arrive at Parkhead, while Hatate would be allowed to pursue the challenge he has been seeking.

For that reason, a swap deal could be worth exploring.

Baur wants Glasgow, Hatate wants a top European league, and both clubs have financial considerations to address. Celtic may therefore have nothing to lose by presenting Paderborn with the idea.

It remains hypothetical for now, but if the German club are willing to consider it, a deal involving the two midfielders could potentially benefit everyone involved.