Value drops to £15m for player Newcastle United have Enquiry about

The summer transfer window has brought Newcastle United’s name back into conversation with Celtic’s dynamic winger Nicolas Kuhn, as the Magpies explore cost-effective options to bolster their right flank.

Reports suggest the Scottish champions may entertain offers around £15 million for their German attacker—a figure that represents both a significant profit on their initial £3 million investment and a potential bargain for Premier League suitors compared to other targets.

Kuhn’s explosive 2023/24 campaign saw him deliver an impressive 36 goal contributions across all competitions, including a memorable Champions League strike against former club Bayern Munich.

That performance at the Allianz Arena particularly showcased his capabilities against elite opposition, catching the attention of Newcastle scouts reportedly in attendance.

While his form experienced a modest dip in the latter stages of the season, the 25-year-old’s blend of direct dribbling, creative output, and tactical versatility makes him an intriguing prospect for clubs seeking attacking reinforcements.

For Newcastle, Kuhn represents a financially prudent alternative to previously linked targets like Brentford’s £60 million-rated Bryan Mbeumo or Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga, valued around £50 million.

With Jacob Murphy currently the only natural right-wing option in Eddie Howe’s squad, the need for depth in this position has become increasingly apparent.

Kuhn’s potential acquisition would provide both competition for places and a different attacking profile, with his experience in both Bundesliga and Scottish football offering an intriguing developmental curve.

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has voiced reservations about the timing of any potential sale, suggesting in his Daily Record column that Kuhn’s inconsistent second half of the season might not justify the rumored £15 million valuation.

“He was sensational before Christmas but questions remain about his week-to-week reliability,” Sutton noted. “While his Bayern Munich performance showed his ceiling, Premier League clubs would be gambling on him replicating that form more consistently.”

Sutton’s analysis raises valid concerns about whether Kuhn has truly outgrown Celtic Park after just eighteen months.

Comparisons to previous Celtic exports like Matt O’Riley and Kieran Tierney—who departed after establishing themselves as complete, consistent performers—suggest Kuhn may benefit from another season of regular football in Scotland.

However, the financial realities of modern football mean Celtic must consider substantial offers, especially with RB Leipzig also reportedly monitoring the situation.

From Newcastle’s perspective, Kuhn’s potential acquisition carries both opportunity and risk. On one hand, his modest price tag allows for greater financial flexibility compared to marquee targets, potentially freeing funds for other priority positions.

His experience in multiple European leagues and competitions suggests he could adapt reasonably quickly to Premier League demands.

Yet the legitimate questions about his consistency and end-product at the highest level mean any deal would represent something of a calculated gamble.

The winger’s skill set does offer some intriguing possibilities for Howe’s tactical approach. Comfortable operating as both a traditional winger and inverted forward, Kuhn’s ability to beat defenders one-on-one and deliver dangerous crosses could provide Newcastle with a different dimension in attack.

His Champions League experience—albeit limited—also adds valuable continental know-how as the club continues its European ambitions.

As the transfer window develops, much will depend on whether Newcastle’s interest crystallizes into a formal offer, and how Celtic value a player who could either appreciate further with another strong season or depreciate as his contract runs down.

For Kuhn himself, the prospect of Premier League football represents the natural next step in his career trajectory, though the jump in quality and intensity presents a significant challenge.

The coming weeks will reveal whether Newcastle view Kuhn as a genuine solution or merely one of several options under consideration.

What remains clear is that the club’s recruitment team face delicate calculations—balancing budget constraints against the need for immediate impact, while assessing whether the Celtic flyer possesses the consistency and adaptability to thrive in English football’s demanding environment.

For now, Kuhn’s future hangs in the balance between continued development in Scotland and a potential leap to the world’s most watched league.

Newcastle’s decision on whether to activate this relatively affordable release clause may well depend on how they answer one crucial question: is Nicolas Kuhn a hidden gem ready to shine on the bigger stage, or a player who needs more polishing before making the step up? The answer could shape both clubs’ transfer strategies for the remainder of the window.