Celtic are pushing to get deals done this summer. Announcements for Benjamin Nygren and Callum Osmand cannot be far away, as everything is believed to be in place in both those cases. On the other hand, it will be equally important for the club to keep the core of their squad together, if they want to achieve their goals this season.
Unfortunately, that is easier said than done. And it has been claimed in recent days that one key player is heading towards the exit door this summer.
Reports in Germany have emerged suggesting that RB Leipzig are advanced in their quest to bring back Nicolas Kuhn to the club. A transfer fee in the region of £15 million has been suggested as the figure that Celtic would want to part ways with their winger.
But now, it has emerged that a move might not be as 'advanced' as we might have believed. The update comes from one of the most reliable sources in Scottish football today. As reported by Anthony Joseph, Kuhn is one of a number of targets for RB Leipzig. As things stand, there’s been nothing concrete. But that could well change as the window progresses.
Anthony Joseph drops news in Celtic transfer twist
First of all, a lot of Celtic fans won't be happy with the £15 million figure that is doing the rounds of the media. Just six months, Kuhn was expected to draw offers twice as big as that. And while he did struggle in the second half of the campaign, top clubs like RB Leipzig and Newcastle United continue to be linked with him. So, one would hope that Celtic are able to negotiate a higher fee, even if they end up sanctioning a move away from Parkhead.
Secondly, the club will need to make sure that they bring in a proper replacement. It won't be easy to replace Kuhn, who had 21 goals and 15 assists to his name last season.
The Hoops have a few targets for sure, but they seem to be edging towards joining other clubs. PSV are leading the race for Sondre Orjasaeter while Ajax are on the verge of signing Raul Moro. That leaves Celtic in a tough spot. Hopefully, they have other alternatives in their sights as well. Ones capable of coming in and eventually replacing Kuhn and his productivity from the wing, if not immediately.