NICOLAS KUHN joined Bayern Munich after being freed by Ajax in July 2020.
The German winger returned to his homeland eager to prove RB Leipzig wrong for allowing him to leave their academy set-up for the Amsterdam giants January 2018.
After two years in Munich, Kuhn was on his travels again as he moved to Rapid Vienna in a £500,000 switch.
Eighteen months later, the touchline ace, who won 32 German caps from Under-15 to Under-20 level, was swept off to Celtic in a £3million deal.
DEBUT STRIKE…Nicolas Kuhn fires in Celtic’s equaliser in his first appearance in the 1-1 draw with Aberdeen at Pittodrie in February.
Kuhn didn’t exactly hit the ground running after his January 16 arrival although he did manage to claim a debut goal in the champions’ 1-1 draw with Aberdeen at Pittodrie just under three weeks later.
That strike was only one of three claimed by the left-footed attacker who also netted against the Dons in the 3-3 Scottish Cup semi-final draw and the 3-1 league win over St Johnstone at Parkhead.
It would be fair to see that many observers of his early days in Scottish football were underwhelmed by the player’s qualities.
The 24-year-old attacker had complained about not being fully attuned following his switch from Austria and blamed dentistry work that had laid him low. He insisted the fans would see the real Nicolas Kuhn in the new season.
The flying winger has been as good as his word and has rattled in 10 goals – including a double against his former Leipzig side in a memorable Champions League performance – and the first four months of this campaign has seen his value sky rocket.
EURO STAR…Nicolas Kuhn curls in Celtic opening goal in the 3-1 Champions League win over his former club RB Leipzig at Parkhead.
His devastating displays, which also include 11 assists, have even caught the attention of German international boss Julian Nagelsmann who admitted: “Kuhn is a good player with a lot of desire.
“He’s someone we’re keeping an eye on.”
Former Celtic defender Johan Mjallby reckons Kuhn is heading for the £30million bracket and cites the £26million-plus fee it took to remove Matt O’Riley from Parkhead to Brighton as an example.
Fulham and Brentford are said to be showing an interest and, as CQN reported earlier this month, the former Swedish international insisted: “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.”
PICK IT OUT…Nicolas Kuhn leaves Kilmarnock keeper Robby McCrorie helpless as he nets Celtic’s second goal in the 2-0 vicory at Rugby Park.
Neil Lennon’s one-time assistant gaffer knocked back suggestions Kuhn could be prised from Parkhead in January.
Mjallby 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.”
Kuhn a transfer target at £30million? That’s SIXTY times what Rapid Vienna paid to Bayern two and a half years ago and TEN more than the Hoops shelled out at the turn of the year.
Celtic’s judgement will be handsomely rewarded if the winger is lured from the champions before his contract expires on June 30 2029.
