Celtic are bracing for a fight to retain their star winger Nicolas Kuhn, with Football Insider reporting on June 25, 2025, that the Scottish champions are resolute in their desire to keep the 25-year-old German at Parkhead. However, interest from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig and Premier League outfit Newcastle United, coupled with potential offers exceeding £20 million, could challenge their resolve. Former Manchester United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, a well-connected figure in football recruitment, exclusively told Football Insider that manager Brendan Rodgers views Kuhn as a cornerstone of his squad, particularly as Celtic prepare for the 2025-26 Champions League campaign.
Kuhn’s Impact at Celtic
Since arriving, Kuhn has become a key figure under Rodgers, contributing 21 goals and 15 assists in 51 appearances during the 2024-25 season. His standout performances in the UEFA Champions League, including a brace against RB Leipzig at Celtic Park, have caught the attention of top clubs. Despite a dip in form later in the season, his overall impact—described as “outstanding” by 67hailhail.com—has solidified his status as a vital asset.
Transfer Interest and Valuation
Football Insider revealed that Celtic are in a strong negotiating position due to Kuhn’s contract, which runs until June 2029. The club would demand £15-20 million for the winger, but offers above £20 million could force their hand, according to Mick Brown’s exclusive comments to Football Insider. RB Leipzig, Kuhn’s former club, are reportedly at an advanced stage in talks, with a potential £15 million deal on the table, as per The Scotsman and Daily Record. Leipzig’s interest stems from their need for attacking reinforcements, despite a challenging domestic season, and their financial muscle makes them a serious contender, as noted by Football Insider.
Newcastle United have also emerged as a threat, with Football Insider reporting in February 2025 that their scouts were impressed by Kuhn’s Champions League displays, particularly his performance against Leipzig. An X post from @OllyGill_on January 20, 2025, underscored Newcastle’s interest, noting Kuhn as a target to fill their right-wing void. However, former Celtic legend, Chris Sutton has questioned whether Kuhn would secure regular playing time in the Premier League, citing his inconsistent form in the latter half of the 2024-25 season, as mentioned in his Record Sport column on June 21, 2025.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Celtic are steadfast in their desire to retain Nicolas Kuhn, with Brendan Rodgers viewing him as integral to their Champions League plans, per Football Insider. However, interest from RB Leipzig and Newcastle United, combined with potential offers exceeding £20 million, could force Celtic to reconsider. The club’s strong negotiating position, thanks to Kuhn’s contract until 2029, gives them leverage, but the financial temptation of a significant profit on their £3 million investment looms large. As the transfer window, open until September 1, 2025, progresses, Celtic fans will be watching anxiously to see if their star winger remains at Parkhead or departs for a new challenge.