Derek Rae has praised Mika Baur, but his biggest point about the potential transfer was aimed directly at Celtic. The club should be watching Paderborn and similar teams every season.
Baur is not leaving academy football with everything still to prove. The 22-year-old was one of Paderborn’s best players as they won promotion to the Bundesliga.
His performances meant Baur is now Paderborn’s Player of the Season, a promotion winner and a Germany Under-21 international with one year left on his contract.
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Derek Rae tells Celtic where they should be shopping
Rae covered Paderborn last season and watched Baur throughout their promotion campaign. He is judging the midfielder on far more than a few clips and a set of stats.
Baur was voted Paderborn’s Player of the Season after scoring four goals and creating six more. He made his Germany Under-21 debut in March.
Celtic would be signing someone who has already played a full part in a successful senior side. Baur was a regular in a season that ended with Paderborn’s promotion to the Bundesliga.
Mika Baur shows what Celtic can find in Germany
Celtic have reportedly agreed personal terms with Baur, but a fee still has to be agreed.
Baur’s contract has only one year left, and Paderborn will want a proper fee after he finished the campaign as their outstanding player.
Rae’s advice is sound. Celtic need to know the best young players at clubs like Paderborn before a season like Baur’s makes them harder to buy.
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