Nicolas Kuhn is having the season of his life right now. Having failed to make it at Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Ajax, it had looked like the winger's chance to be a top player had passed him by. But he has renewed those aspirations since joining Celtic from Rapid Vienna last year. The way things are going, it would not be a surprise if a top club came calling for his signature soon.
Kuhn seems to enjoy playing against his former sides. He scored a brace against RB Leipzig earlier in the season. And then he put Celtic ahead in the second leg against Bayern Munich.
Unfortunately, that goal did not prove to be enough. Bayern Munich would go on to score in the 94th minute to draw 1-1 and 3-2 aggregate. Kuhn was not on the pitch to prevent that from happening, having been taken off earlier after picking up a knock.
Kuhn only enhanced his reputation over the two legs against Bayern Munich though. Even in the first leg, he had the ball in the back of the net, only for it to be ruled out as Adam Idah was in an offside position while obstructing the view of the goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Celtic: Major Nicolas Kuhn to Newcastle United transfer claim
Interestingly, Mick Brown seems to believe that other Premier League-proven players would be higher on Newcastle United's radar than Kuhn. As reported by Football Insider, the former scout said:
"Celtic have moved 13 points ahead without really breaking a sweat and with a team that is, quite honestly, nothing special.
“Everybody else is way down the pecking order.
“So when you’re looking at players in that league, like Newcastle’s scouts have been, it’s about assessing whether they can make that step up to the Premier League.
“I’m not saying Kuhn wouldn’t be able to do that, but it’s hard to judge when he’s playing in Scotland.
“I think the likes of Mbeumo and Semenyo will be higher on Newcastle’s list of targets.
“They’ve got Premier League experience, which Eddie Howe likes in his squads, and have proven their talents so far this season.
“Both of them are quick, strong, score goals, strike the ball well – that’s what they’re looking for in that position on the right-hand side.
“The lad at Celtic would have to do something special to go above either of those two in the pecking order."
One would argue that scoring goals against teams like Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig in high-pressure Champions League games is pretty special. Of course, it is better for Celtic if clubs like Newcastle United do not come calling.
It has only been about a year since we have seen Kuhn play foir Celtic. And it is safe to say that we want him to remain at Parkhead for years to come.