FORMER Celtic stalwart Johan Mjallby reckons Nicolas Kuhn’s value has rocketed to the £30million mark with his eye-catching performances this season.
That figure is TEN times what Brendan Rodgers paid for the 24-year-old winger to lure him from Rapid Vienna in January.
After a false start, Kuhn has sparked to life since he scored one of the goals as the champions thumped Kilmarnock 4-0 on Flag Day at Parkhead on August 4.
Ironically, the German flyer took his striking tally into double figures with an effort against the same club in the Hoops’ hard-fought 2-0 victory over the same opponents at Rugby Park on Sunday.
EURO STAR…Nicolas Kuhn races away in triumph after firing Celtic into the lead against RB Leipzig at Parkhead. Kyogo Furuhashi is about to join the celebrations.
Kuhn has been producing headline-hitting performances since this term’s kick-off and his electrifying two-goal display against RB Liepzig under the lights in the east end of Glasgow a week ago caught the attention of the rest of Europe.
It’s hardly a surprise that top-flight cubs across the border have been alerted to Kuhn’s form and Fulham and Brentford are now being linked as two teams tracking the wide Bhoy.
If he continues this remarkable level of achievement, it will only be a matter of time that a queue of would-be suitors will be mentioned with the January transfer window coming up quick on the horizon.
As well as firing in 10 goals, Kuhn has also been involved in 11 assists – and that is the sort of consistency that will push the player’s value to a record high, according to former Swedish international defender Mjallby.
Neil Lennon’s ex-No.2 believes only a bid in the region of what Brighton paid for midfielder Matt O’Riley in August will be considered by the Parkhead club for the forward who is under contract until 2029.
The London-born Danish cap moved to the south coast outfit for £26million-plus and took the opportunity to show his worth when he scored the winner against champions Manchester City at the Amex Stadium at the weekend on his injury-delayed debut in the Premier League.
TEN AND OUT…Nicolas Kuhn slots Celtic’s second past keeper Robby McCrorie to end the Kilmarnock resistance at Rugby Park – and take his goal haul into double figures.
Responding to speculation surrounding Kuhn, Mjallby said: “I’m pretty sure they will do everything to keep him.
“He is on fire and in a way he is like a new signing this summer. For the first six months, it was stop-start for him.
“He had this tooth problem and didn’t really show what he is all about.
“But he is perfect for the way Brendan Rodgers wants his team to play.”
Mjallby insists his old club won’t sell one of their hottest properties in January and, speaking to the Scottish Football Social Club, added: “It’s not going to happen.
“Maybe if they come in with a ridiculous bid – we are talking about Matt O’Riley figures – but if it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen next summer.”
CHAT’S THE WAY TO DO IT, GOAL HERO THANKS BRENDAN
