Nicolas Kuhn opponent in Austria shares lightning traits that could make him a big hit at Celtic

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Former Motherwell defender Max Johnston reckons incoming Celtic signing Nicolas Kuhn has the attributes to be a success in the Scottish Premiership.

Kuhn is reported to have arrived in London to undergo a medical with the Bhoys on Monday before completing a £3m switch from Rapid Vienna, signing a contract until the summer of 2028.

He will become Brendan Rodgers’ first signing of the January transfer window and immediately compete for minutes on the wing alongside Liel Abada, Daizen Maeda and Luis Palma.

Celtic needed a new wide option to enhance the winger department with James Forrest, Mikey Johnston and Hyunjun Yang not quite providing that cutting edge this season as rotation and substitute options.

Johnston enjoyed a breakthrough spell at the Steelmen last season before signing for Sturm Graz in Austria and faced Kuhn in a 1-1 draw earlier this season.

Nicolas Kuhn brings pace and technical ability to Celtic

He told The Sunday Mail: “I came up against him when we played Rapid and, technically, he’s very good. But the thing I remember most about him is how quick he is.

“He definitely has pace and he’s had a really good season here so far If he signs for Celtic and brings those qualities I’m sure he’ll do well there.”

Kuhn has played 16 times in the Austrian Bundesliga for Rapid this season, scoring two goals and assisting five more.

Per FotMob, he ranks in the 87th percentile when it comes to chances created per 90 minutes by a winger in the division this term, as well as in the 96th percentile when it comes to successful dribbles and 93rd percentile for touches in the opposition box.

The defensive side of his game could use some work but with Alistair Johnston behind him on the right flank, there should be decent balance there, allowing a player like Kuhn to use his pace and trickery to offer a very direct attacking threat first and foremost.