Celtic were not expected to sign another winger this January. They have plenty of options there when everybody is fit and available. Daizen Maeda, Luis Palma and Liel Abada are considered as starters while the likes of James Forrest, Yang Hyun-jun, Marco Tilio and Mikey Johnston are options for Brendan Rodgers as well.
Yet, Celtic went out and signed Nicolas Kuhn from Rapid Vienna. The transfer fee is believed to have been around £3 million.
Kuhn is expected to receive his chances at Celtic. Otherwise, it would not make any logical sense to sign him in the middle of the season. But whose will he take in the starting XI?
Maeda is the one who is being tipped by some to lose his place in the team. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, Andy Walker said while talking on Go Radio:
"I think he is probably going to push Maeda out of the team.
“Kuhn will start, alongside Kyogo and Palma."
Celtic player tipped to lose starting spot to Kuhn
Kuhn was impressive during the first half of the season at Rapid Vienna and seems to have a lot of good attributes. But is he good enough to be a regular starter for Celtic? Time shall tell. It is worth remembering that the former Bayern Munich youngster is relatively inexperienced in the senior game despite being 24 years of age.
Of course, there are areas in Maeda's game where he can improve. But we can say that about almost every player.
Yes, his output might not be brilliant but what Maeda brings to the table is very unique. He is someone capable of pressing from the front and the team certainly misses his workrate and energy whenever he is not playing.
Currently, Maeda is away at the AFC Asian Cup representing the Japan national team. That could give Kuhn some chances to make an impression. He will need to take them with both hands if he wants to be a regular starter for Celtic.