Celtic Football Club is reportedly on the verge of securing a deal for Rapid Vienna winger Nicolas Kuhn, according to Stephen McGowan, a trusted Daily Mail reporter known for his reliable insights into the club. Despite having previously played for renowned clubs such as Ajax and Bayern Munich,
Kuhn has garnered attention for his impressive performances at Rapid Vienna, showcasing his dynamic wing play. Although Celtic had already acquired wingers Luis Palma, Marco Tilio, and Yang Hyun Jun during the summer transfer window, Brendan Rodgers seems eager to further strengthen the team’s attacking options.
Following 10 days of speculations, McGowan, in a late-night update on Wednesday, revealed that Celtic is closing in on a deal for the 24-year-old German winger. Kuhn is a primary target for Rodgers as he aims to enhance the team’s attacking prowess for the second half of the season. It is reported that formal discussions have been initiated between Celtic and Rapid Vienna, and there is optimism that an agreement can be reached to secure Kuhn as the club’s first addition in the January transfer window.
Kuhn’s football journey includes stints as a youth player with RB Leipzig and Ajax before joining Bayern Munich’s setup. In 2022, he made the move to Austria, with Rapid Vienna securing his services for around £500,000. The Austrian club is believed to be seeking a substantial fee, at least four times the initial amount paid, for Kuhn’s transfer. The winger has demonstrated his impact on the pitch by scoring three goals and providing seven assists in the current season.
Markus Katzer, Rapid Vienna’s sporting director, confirmed the existence of offers without disclosing the involved clubs. Katzer stated, “Once we reach a certain amount, we have to think about it.” This acknowledgment indicates that negotiations are underway, and if an agreement is reached, Kuhn could soon find himself training with his new teammates, potentially making his debut in the Scottish Cup tie against Buckie Thistle scheduled for the following Saturday.
Celtic supporters, eagerly anticipating the first January signing, will likely be keeping a close eye on further arrivals. After the team’s defeat to Lazio in November, Rodgers emphasized his desire for four first-team-ready signings upon his return to Celtic in June. This suggests that the potential acquisition of Kuhn is just the beginning of the club’s efforts to strengthen its squad during the ongoing transfer window.