Celtic sign self-proclaimed 'playmaker' with help of ex-player as summer spending surpasses £30m

The 22-year-old has joined from Paderborn on a four-year contract, with the option of another year, following the completion of a £4.5million deal, which could rise to £6.8m with add-ons.

Baur helped Paderborn secure promotion back to the Bundesliga last season but the Germany Under 21 international was sold on a move to Celtic after speaking to Nicolas Kuhn.

"It’s absolutely the right move,” Baur told the Celtic website. “It's a great club and I’ve heard incredible things about the fans. Celtic are the champions. I want to win something, and I think I'm in the right place for it.

"I’m in the same agency as Nicolas Kuhn so I called him to ask a couple of questions and he was so positive. He said, if you have the chance, just do it. He couldn’t explain it because, he said, you have to feel it, but he told me it was incredible. And after the call with him, I was sure.

"I’ve had a good pre-season with good matches and tough training sessions, everything. So I'm in good shape and I'm ready to go."

Celtic spending surpasses £30m

The arrival of Baur takes Celtic's summer spending so far to £27.5m - which will escalate to could escalate to £32.8 million if add-ons are triggered - following the arrivals of Camilo Duran, Kasper Hogh and Haissem Hassan.

Celtic manager, Martin O’Neill said: “I am delighted that we have been able to bring Mika to Celtic. He is a player with some excellent attributes, great technical ability, he will be important in linking our play and he has real versatility too.

"Having spoken to Mika, I can see the appetite he has for the challenges here at Celtic and I am sure he will be another great addition to the squad.

"Mika’s club in Germany were very keen to keep him, which I fully understand, as he played such an important role in their Bundesliga promotion, but I am really pleased with the perseverance and commitment we have shown to secure his signing."

Baur has been signed in time to feature in Celtic's Champions League play-off tie against Austrian side LASK, with the first leg taking place at Parkhead next week.

“I remember a Champions League night against Leipzig,” he explained. "I watched it on TV, on the couch at home, and you could feel it and see it, the emotions in the stadium. That's what I'm here for.

"That's why everyone is playing football. You want to play in big stadiums in front of a big crowd. It's different, but I think I'm ready for it. So I'm looking forward to it.”

Describing himself as a “playmaker”, Baur added: “I love to have the ball at my feet, always be there and not be scared to take it. I think I’m a player who is a very confident, a good technical player and I always leave my heart on the field. Everyone can expect that.”