Ajax are set to land a small cut of the fee Celtic will receive from Nicolas Kühn’s move to Como, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The German winger is closing in on a €19 million switch to the Serie A club, with medical tests expected early next week. Celtic only signed Kühn from Rapid Vienna in January 2024 for around £3 million, meaning the club is in line for a hefty profit. However, they won’t keep the full amount.
Because Kühn spent part of his youth career at Ajax, the Dutch side will pocket a small share of the transfer fee. It comes through a FIFA solidarity payment scheme, which rewards clubs that helped develop a player between the ages of 12 and 23.
Kühn played for Jong Ajax between 2018 and 2020 before spells at Bayern Munich’s reserves and Rapid Vienna.
He impressed early at Celtic but had a quieter second half to the season. Despite that, interest remained high, with former club RB Leipzig also showing an interest before Como stepped in with a firm offer.
The Italian club, managed by Cesc Fàbregas, have been active in the market this summer and see Kühn as another key addition. He’s expected to sign a long-term deal running to 2029.
While Celtic will rightly be pleased with the return on their short-term investment, Ajax will also quietly benefit from a player who passed through their academy system.
