Nicolas-Gerrit Kuhn, a German footballer hailing from Wunstorf, has recently emerged as one of Celtic’s top transfer targets. With the two clubs not a million miles apart in negotiations. [Football Scotland]
But who is he and could he be a success at Celtic?
Nicolas Kuhn Celtic Target
His journey in football began with St Pauli, a modest start that eventually led him to Hannover 96 at the age of 13. Kuhn’s skills flourished at Hannover, catching the attention of bigger clubs. His next big leap was to RB Leipzig, where he impressed in their Under 19 squad, especially shining in the Europa Youth League.
Ajax saw potential in Kuhn and invested €2 million in January 2018 to bring him aboard. The plan? To hone his skills in their second team, preparing him for a leap to the main squad. But Kuhn’s path took a turn when Bayern Munich showed interest. In January 2020, he started a six-month loan spell at Bayern, which eventually transformed into a three-year contract that summer.
While previous clubs don’t always define a player’s future success, they do hint at potential. Kuhn’s journey, taking him from Ajax to Bayern Munich, speaks volumes about the promise these top-tier clubs saw in him. Sometimes, a step back is a strategic move forward – a sentiment that might resonate with Kuhn’s career trajectory.
The 2021/22 season saw Kuhn on loan at Erzgebirge Aue. Although the club had an option to purchase, their relegation led them to forego this opportunity. This turn of events brought Kuhn to Rapid Vienna, with a transfer fee of £500,000.
The 24y/o skill set is notably versatile. Primarily a left-footer, he’s adept at playing across the front three positions. Whether it’s cutting in from the right flank or leading the line as a central striker, Kuhn’s adaptability makes him a valuable asset. This versatility is precisely what Celtic could leverage, potentially fitting him into various roles within the team.
Some supporters may feel we have enough players on the wing, but what has been shown this season is a winger that can really get in behind and trouble defenders. Kyogo has suffered without someone like Jota feeding him what he needs, Kuhn is very creative and at least on paper fits the bill.
