Nicolas Kuhn has enjoyed a heel-turn to his Celtic career this season that now has him down as one of the first names on Brendan Rodgers’ teamsheet.
Despite some early illness problems at Parkhead, the 24-year-old has lit up the right flank with his creative intuition and clinical finishing, registering ten goals and 11 assist in 17 appearances this term.
Earlier this week, Callum McGregor labelled Celtic star Nicolas Kuhn ‘unplayable’ this season and it is easy to see why. The Bhoys have a history of wingers who entertain their adoring public, which is a trend the former RB Leipzig man has tapped into since his strong pre-season under Brendan Rodgers.
Truthfully, it is hard to put your finger on where his rapid upturn in fortunes originated from. Above all, hard work and dedication have to be put on a pedestal when assessing his growing influence.
Inevitably, with excellent form comes the potential for transfer interest, but Andy Walker is certain Celtic can keep Kuhn for the long-term and has laid out the formula to ensure he remains in Glasgow for time to come.
Andy Walker suggests new Celtic contract for Nicolas Kuhn
Following news that Alistair Johnston is close to a new Celtic contract, Walker thinks that the Bhoys could also look to renew Kuhn’s terms as part of a wider bid to retain prize assets, which could help meet Rodgers’ aspirations of becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Champions League.
He explained: “He’s been so consistent, he’s getting a lot of goals. He’s also laying on a lot of goals. I just wonder if Celtic’s approach to their player trading model is maybe changing a wee bit.
“You look at the likes of Alistair Johnston possibly signing a new contract. Can you imagine Nicolas Kuhn signing a new contract? Celtic are beginning to make their mark in the Champions League, you speak to any Celtic supporter, it’s what they’ve wanted to see for so long.
I just wonder with Brendan Rodgers being there, Celtic spending at a level that they haven’t really done before, I just wonder whether they’d like to keep this idea of trying to compete with Europe’s elite. Leipzig are a right good side; Celtic beat them comfortably; they’re in a superior league, but certainly not a superior side.
The fact that they went to Italy and got a point against the Europa League holders Atalanta. There’s a level of excitement now for the Celtic supporters; I just wonder whether the players might buy into it with the manager and try and keep this level of result, this excitement of result in Europe against the elite. I wonder if they might keep it going for a couple of years.”
Celtic will make sure they keep hold of Nicolas Kuhn
Noise is part of football, but anyone who thinks they have a genuine chance of prying Kuhn away from Celtic will have a difficult task on their hands.
Even without an extension, the former Germany Under-20 international is under contract at Parkhead until the summer of 2029.
With the protection of their asset already in full view, any notion of a new deal for Kuhn would be solely as a reward for his fine performances. Should he keep thriving, there is no reason he shouldn’t be among the Bhoys’ highest earners.
For now, sit back and enjoy the show. It feels highly unlikely that Celtic will part ways with their star man any time soon.
