Sport nationCeltic’s Nicolas Kuhn: From Barcelona’s Radar to Celtic Stardom
Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn has revealed that he was approached by Spanish giants Barcelona on two separate occasions during his career. The German forward, who joined Celtic in January 2024 from Austrian side Rapid Vienna, is currently enjoying a standout season, but his rise to prominence in world football began years ago.
Kuhn’s early talent drew the attention of football’s elite, and Barcelona, known for scouting some of the world’s most promising players, identified him as a target not once, but twice. However, the winger ultimately chose different paths that have now led him to become a key figure for Celtic.
From Rapid Vienna to Celtic: A Rocky Start
Kuhn’s journey to Celtic began in January 2024 when the Bhoys secured his signature for a modest fee of around £3 million from Rapid Vienna. His arrival came with much fanfare, as fans hoped he would bring creativity and flair to the squad. However, his initial stint in Glasgow was less than stellar. During the latter half of the 2023/24 season, Kuhn struggled to adapt to life at Celtic Park and failed to make a significant impact.
Despite a challenging start, Celtic maintained their faith in Kuhn, and the decision has paid off handsomely. The winger has been in scintillating form this season, scoring ten goals and registering eleven assists in just 17 appearances across all competitions. His ability to unlock defenses and contribute decisively in the final third has made him one of the standout performers in Scottish football.
Barcelona’s Interest: Two Missed Opportunities
Before landing at Celtic, Kuhn’s talent was already well-known among Europe’s top clubs. In a recent interview with Sport Bild (via Fussball Transfers), Kuhn revealed that Barcelona had been keen on signing him on two occasions. The first approach came before he joined RB Leipzig’s youth system at the age of 14, and the second occurred before his move to Ajax Amsterdam in 2018.
“Even before I transferred to RB Leipzig’s boarding school at the age of 14, there was contact between Barca and my advisor,” Kuhn told Sport Bild. “And even before my time at Ajax Amsterdam, they wanted to get me.”
These revelations highlight the high regard in which Kuhn was held from a young age. While he ultimately chose Leipzig and later Ajax over the Catalan giants, the fact that Barcelona identified him as a target speaks volumes about his potential.
Finding His Feet at Celtic
Kuhn’s recent performances for Celtic have firmly established him as one of the most exciting talents in the Scottish Premiership. His blend of pace, technical skill, and goal-scoring ability has transformed him into a key player under Brendan Rodgers. This season, Kuhn has been instrumental in Celtic’s domestic and European campaigns, contributing to crucial victories and earning plaudits from fans and pundits alike.
Celtic’s faith in Kuhn’s abilities has been rewarded as the winger has developed into a player capable of dominating matches. His contributions have been vital in the team’s push for another league title and their improved performances in the Champions League.
The Impact of Kuhn’s Resurgence
Kuhn’s resurgence at Celtic is not just a personal triumph but also a reflection of the club’s effective scouting and player development. Signing the winger for just £3 million from Rapid Vienna now appears to be a masterstroke, with his market value likely to have increased significantly thanks to his performances this season.
His ability to score and create goals has added a new dimension to Celtic’s attack, complementing the efforts of other key players such as Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, and Nicolas Kuhn. Kuhn’s form has also eased concerns over the departure of Matt O’Riley, who joined Brighton & Hove Albion last season.
What’s Next for Kuhn and Celtic?
With Kuhn now in the best form of his career, Celtic must brace themselves for potential interest from other clubs. If the winger continues to shine, particularly in European competitions, it is only a matter of time before suitors from across the continent come knocking. His past links to Barcelona, combined with his current form, make him an attractive prospect for top clubs seeking a versatile and creative winger.
For Celtic, the challenge will be to keep hold of their star player while continuing to build a squad capable of competing at the highest levels. Brendan Rodgers’ side has already shown they can compete with Europe’s elite, and retaining players like Kuhn will be critical to their long-term ambitions.
Kuhn’s Path to Stardom
Kuhn’s journey from being a young talent sought after by Barcelona to a key player for Celtic is a testament to his resilience and determination. While he may have missed out on the chance to join the Catalan giants earlier in his career, his current success at Celtic shows that his potential is finally being realized.
As he continues to light up the Scottish Premiership and make his mark in Europe, Kuhn’s story serves as a reminder that football careers can take unexpected paths. For now, Celtic fans can enjoy watching their rising star as he leads the club to new heights.
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