Newcastle United now competing to try and sign Nicolas Kuhn

The Premier League transfer market continues to heat up as Newcastle United join the chase for Celtic’s dynamic winger Nicolas Kuhn.

According to recent reports, the Magpies are among several English clubs monitoring the German forward, with Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers also in the mix.

Kuhn arrived at Celtic Park in January 2024 for a modest £3 million fee from Rapid Vienna, but his impact since then has been anything but modest.

The 25-year-old enjoyed a sensational 2024/25 campaign, racking up an impressive 36 direct goal contributions—21 goals and 15 assists—across all competitions.

His performances in the Scottish Premiership were particularly eye-catching, with 18 goal involvements (10 goals, 8 assists) in just 1,672 minutes of league action. That translates to a goal or assist every 92 minutes, a remarkable return for a player still adapting to a new league.

While the Scottish top flight is often viewed as a step below the Premier League, Kuhn proved he can perform at the highest level with standout displays in the Champions League.

Last season, he notched three goals and an assist in Europe’s elite competition, demonstrating he can thrive against top-tier opposition.

Newcastle’s Scouting Interest and Celtic’s Valuation

The Scotsman reports that Newcastle have been tracking Kuhn for some time, with scouts regularly attending Celtic matches to assess his development.

The Scottish champions are now bracing themselves for a battle to retain their prized asset, valuing him at upwards of £20 million—a figure that, while substantial, remains significantly lower than many of the forwards Newcastle have previously targeted.

At 25, Kuhn is entering his prime years, and a move to the Premier League could be the perfect platform to elevate his career further.

Despite representing Germany at various youth levels, he is yet to earn a senior cap. A successful stint in England could change that, adding extra motivation for the winger to make the switch.

Playing Style and Versatility

Kuhn’s explosive pace, direct dribbling, and fearless approach have drawn comparisons to Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman. Like the French international, Kuhn excels at taking on defenders, using his agility and quick feet to create chances in the final third.

What makes him even more appealing to potential suitors is his versatility—he is equally comfortable on either flank and can also operate as an attacking midfielder behind the striker.

For Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, that adaptability could be crucial. The Magpies have often struggled with squad depth in wide areas, and Kuhn’s ability to play multiple roles would provide valuable tactical flexibility.

At £20 million, he represents a relatively low-risk investment compared to other marquee targets, while still offering high upside if he adapts well to the Premier League.

The Challenge Ahead

Of course, transitioning from Scottish football to the Premier League is no easy feat. While Kuhn has shown he can dominate domestically and make an impact in Europe, the physicality and intensity of English football present a different challenge entirely.

However, his skill set—particularly his speed, technical ability, and work rate—suggests he has the tools to succeed.

For Celtic, losing Kuhn would be a significant blow, but the prospect of a substantial profit on a player they signed just 18 months ago may prove too tempting to resist.

Meanwhile, Newcastle must weigh whether he is ready to make an immediate impact or if he would require time to adjust.

With multiple clubs circling, the race for Kuhn’s signature could intensify in the coming weeks. If Newcastle decide to push forward with a bid, they will need to act decisively to fend off competition.

One thing is certain: Nicolas Kuhn’s next move could be the defining moment of his career—and for whichever club secures him, he might just be the hidden gem they’ve been searching for.