Anthony Joseph drops an interesting take on why Celtic signed Nicolas Kuhn & links with Liel Abada

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When Nicolas Kuhn was Celtic’s first signing of the January transfer window, it left many surprised because it wasn’t an area that needed filling.

Everyone’s eyes were on that striker needing to be signed, as well as a left-back, which became even more important when Greg Taylor got injured.

But Celtic opted to bring in a winger instead, with Anthony Joseph sharing that ‘it was pretty clear that Nicolas Kuhn was the main target they were going for first’, as he told The Celtic Exchange.

What is interesting is that the Sky Sports journalist pointed out that Nicolas Kuhn is now possibly going to be a ‘long-term replacement’ for Liel Abada.

The 22-year-old has been injured for the majority of the campaign and has only managed 414 minutes in the Scottish Premiership this term. 

The positive for Brendan Rodgers and Celtic is that the £3.4 million signing has started back-to-back games, but he is going to need more minutes under his belt before he starts to showcase his true worth again.

Liel Abada has been a key player for the club over the years and he has been hugely missed out on the flanks during the time he has spent in the treatment room.

But according to Antony Joseph, this could be the start of the end for the player and Nicolas Kuhn might be the one to replace him, which explains his signing.

Nicolas Kuhn and Liel Abada

“At the start of January, it was pretty clear that he was the main target they were going for first,” said Joseph about Kuhn’s arrival.

“He had been tracked for some time during the season and was showing a lot of promise and potential. Plus, he could add what Rodgers was wanting in terms of quality and strength in depth. Actually pushing for a starting place, rather than what has previously been signed as project signings.

“Credit where it’s due. They got one of their main targets and that was Nicolas Kuhn. It might not have been what was deemed as a priority position, as we all know that left-back and a striker were the two priority positions for this window.

“But they managed to get what they see as a winger, who is going to add more quality to that department. You saw Mikey Johnston leave. James Forrest is ageing. There are question marks over Liel Abada’s long-term future. I think Kuhn is potentially a long-term replacement for Liel Abada.”

Nicolas Kuhn looking steady

There hasn’t been anything eye-catching or outstanding from the German winger so far, but he needs time to get used to his new surroundings and teammates.

It’s not his fault that he has walked into a team that seemingly lacks the ambition from the top to ensure that first spot is maintained at all costs.

That was proven during the dropped points against Aberdeen yesterday, with Kuhn coming off the bench and scoring his first goal for the club.

It’s a shame that it can’t be celebrated because the end result was extremely disappointing.