While yet to be officially announced, Nicolas Kuhn is set to join Como FC this summer. His impending departure has already been confirmed by Brendan Rodgers. The German winger was a nailed-on starter for Celtic and one of their best performers last season. So, they have a tough task on their hands, finding a replacement for him.
Many Celtic fans would have been hoping that the club would reinvest a good portion of the incoming €19 million transfer fee to replace Kuhn. If you are one of them, it looks like you are in for a reality check.
As reported by The Scottish Sun, Celtic are eyeing Rapid Vienna's Isak Jansson as they eye Kuhn's replacement. Lazio, Fiorentina and Paris FC have also been linked with the Swedish winger, who could be available for around £3 million.
So, it looks like Celtic will go for a project signing once again, rather than try to bring in some proven quality to replace Kuhn. And if you have been following the club for any length of time, that should not come as a surprise.
Celtic fans won't be happy with rumour after Nicolas Kuhn exit
Jansson was the one who had replaced Kuhn at Rapid Vienna after the German winger moved to Celtic. According to stats from Transfermarkt, he scored 9 goals and provided 6 assists in 33 appearances last season.
Of course, it would be wrong to write any player off before they have kicked a ball for Celtic. But the lack of ambition from the club is clear to see.
It remains to be seen if the speculation is accurate or not. Will Celtic actually just go back to Rapid Vienna as they try to find a replacement for Kuhn? That is certainly not impossible but somewhat unlikely for sure.