Baur's rapid rise sees Germany call-up after Glasgow move

Celtic midfielder Mika Baur, 22, has been handed his first Germany call‑up, a chance to debut in Thursday’s Nations League match against Serbia in Munich, just months after his August move to Glasgow from Paderborn. The inclusion comes as part of Jurgen Klopp’s squad for the national side.

Baur left German side Paderborn in August, having helped them secure promotion to the Bundesliga, before swapping German football for the Scottish Premiership at Celtic. The experience of a promotion campaign gave him valuable resilience ahead of the Scottish challenge.

Debut set for Nations League

He has been named in Jurgen Klopp’s Germany squad for the Thursday fixture in Munich, where the team will face Serbia in the Nations League. Germany will look to utilise his versatility in midfield against a disciplined Serbian side.

“It still doesn’t feel real,” Baur said, adding that the call‑up seemed “very far away” until it arrived. He admitted the rapid rise has been overwhelming but motivating.

He explained that moving to Glasgow was “the next step in my development”, yet he never expected it to lead to a senior international opportunity. He believes the Scottish league has sharpened his tactical awareness.

“I’m trying to soak it all up here, make my mark and get minutes,” he said, stressing his desire to enjoy the experience while contributing on the pitch. He also hopes the exposure will accelerate his development at Celtic.

Baur added that over the past year‑and‑a‑half he has learned to enjoy the “dirty work”, sprinting, tackling and leaving his heart on the field, now able to influence the game with or without the ball. He feels this new dimension will help him compete for a regular spot in the national team.