Transfers of Hogh and Baur to Celtic face delays as Parkhead officials seek to accelerate deals.

Celtic remain confident they can complete deals for Kasper Hogh and Mika Baur, although negotiations for both players have reached a difficult stage as their respective clubs continue to hold firm over transfer valuations.

The Scottish champions are pushing to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s squad before the new campaign begins, with Hogh and Baur identified as two of the club’s priority targets during the current transfer window.

Mika Baur of SC Paderborn reacts

Parkhead officials are hopeful that both transfers can be completed within the next few days, allowing the duo to join the squad ahead of the start of the competitive season.

Despite that optimism, talks have encountered fresh hurdles as both Bodo/Glimt and Paderborn remain determined to secure significant fees before agreeing to sell two of their most important players.

The negotiations continue behind the scenes, but Celtic have been made aware that they must increase their financial commitment if they are to successfully bring both players to Glasgow.

Bodo/Glimt Determined to Maximise Hogh Fee

One of Celtic’s primary objectives this summer is the signing of Bodo/Glimt striker Kasper Hogh following his impressive performances in Norway.

The Danish forward established himself as one of the club’s standout performers, particularly during Bodo/Glimt’s memorable Champions League campaign, attracting interest from clubs across Europe.

Although Hogh is understood to be enthusiastic about the prospect of joining Celtic, his current club have no pressing need to cash in on one of their leading attacking players.

That strong negotiating position allows Bodo/Glimt to remain patient while discussions continue.

Reports indicate the Norwegian champions are seeking a transfer fee of at least £8 million before allowing the striker to leave.

With no financial pressure forcing a sale, Bodo are expected to continue standing firm until their valuation is met.

For Celtic, reaching an agreement may ultimately depend on whether they are prepared to move closer to the asking price.

Baur Deal Progressing More Positively

Negotiations involving Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur appear to be further advanced, although an agreement has not yet been finalized.

Celtic have already reached personal terms with the Germany Under-21 international, meaning the player is ready to complete the move once the clubs settle on a transfer fee.

The Scottish champions have submitted an offer believed to be worth around £4 million.

While that proposal demonstrates Celtic’s determination to secure the midfielder, discussions over the overall structure of the deal and its final value remain ongoing.

Representatives from both clubs continue working through the remaining details in an effort to reach an agreement acceptable to everyone involved.

Although there is still work to do, Parkhead officials remain optimistic that negotiations will eventually end successfully.

Daizen Maeda Exit Could Unlock Spending

Celtic’s confidence has also been boosted by the expected departure of Daizen Maeda.

The Japanese international is on the verge of completing his move to Ipswich Town after successfully passing his medical examination.

Once the transfer becomes official, Celtic are expected to receive approximately £8 million from the sale.

That income would provide additional financial flexibility and could play an important role in helping fund the arrivals of both Hogh and Baur.

The club has regularly balanced outgoing and incoming transfers in recent years, and Maeda’s sale appears likely to provide the resources needed to accelerate negotiations.

Supporters will now be hoping those funds are quickly reinvested into strengthening Ruben Amorim’s squad before competitive action begins.

Pressure Growing From Supporters

While negotiations continue, many Celtic supporters have become increasingly frustrated by the pace of the club’s summer recruitment.

Bodo/Glimt frontman Kasper Hogh is on Celtic’s radar(Image: Getty Images)

Despite links to numerous transfer targets, only one signing has been completed so far.

Striker Camilo Duran remains the club’s sole addition during the current transfer window, leading many fans to question why further reinforcements have not yet arrived.

Expectations remain high following another successful domestic season, and supporters are eager to see the squad strengthened before the challenges of league and European competition begin.

The prolonged negotiations surrounding Hogh and Baur have therefore attracted considerable attention, with fans hoping both deals can be finalized quickly.

Completing the two transfers would go a long way toward easing concerns surrounding Celtic’s activity in the market.

Amorim Managing Squad Ahead of New Season

As transfer discussions continue, Ruben Amorim is also carefully managing his current squad during pre-season preparations.

The Celtic manager has been forced to leave Christopher Nkunku and Pervis Estupinan out of his plans for the opening pre-season fixture because both players are recovering from injuries.

The coaching staff are taking a cautious approach with the pair to ensure they are fully fit before the competitive campaign begins.

Managing player fitness remains one of the key priorities at this stage of pre-season, particularly with several demanding fixtures approaching.

AC Milan Friendly Provides Important Test

Celtic’s preparations continue with a high-profile friendly against AC Milan at Parkhead on Saturday.

The match will offer another valuable opportunity for Amorim to assess his squad while building fitness levels ahead of the new season.

Although AC Milan remain one of Europe’s biggest clubs, the Italian side will travel to Glasgow without several established stars.

Luka Modric and Christian Pulisic are among the notable absentees after representing Croatia and the United States during recent World Cup commitments.

Even so, the fixture promises to provide a strong test for Celtic as they continue their preparations.

Meanwhile, much of the focus away from the pitch will remain on the transfer market.

Club officials continue working to push both the Hogh and Baur deals across the finish line despite the financial obstacles that remain.

Negotiations are ongoing with both Bodo/Glimt and Paderborn, and while neither club has shown any willingness to lower its demands significantly, Celtic remain optimistic that agreements can still be reached.

Should the transfer of Daizen Maeda be completed as expected and the proceeds become available, the Scottish champions will hope they are in an even stronger position to secure two signings capable of strengthening the squad ahead of another season competing for domestic honours and success in European football.