Former Celtic star Chris Sutton feels the Hoops should keep hold of German forward Nicolas Kuhn
Celtic’s Nicolas Kuhn(Image: PA)
Celtic’s Nicolas Kuhn is not yet ready for big-money move to the Premier League, despite Newcastle United’s interest in a £15m deal.
That’s the verdict of former Hoops striker Chris Sutton, who feels the German should stay in Scotland for another season to prove his credentials.
The 25-year-old hit 21 goals in 51 appearances for Brendan Rodgers side last season as they won the Scottish title, including three goals in the Champions League, notably against Bayern Munich.
He also added an impressive 15 assists, with Newcastle interested in a what would be a cut-price move for the former Rapid Vienna man.
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Sutton has watched his progress at Celtic closely since he made the switch from Austria in January 2024 in a deal worth around £3m. And while he feels there is a lot to admire about the forward, consistency could be an issue.
“Chat about a potential £15m bid for the winger has led to some fans suggesting the club should cash in,” he told the Daily Record. “There will be a time to sell Kuhn. But now is not the time.
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“I have my doubts Celtic would get £15m for the German this summer, for a start. He struggled at first in Scotland as he struggled having lost weight with those dental problems.
Nicolas Kuhn, right, has starred for Celtic this season(Image: PA)
“He was sensational in the first half of the season and looked a certainty to clean up the player of the year awards.
“Yet he did go off the boil a bit following the Bayern Munich game and it does pose questions about his consistency.
“Are teams going to cough up big money on the back of a spectacular six months? They might do, but I’m not so sure. Newcastle United were credited with interest back in January but I can’t see him shifting the likes of Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon.
“RB Leipzig are the ones mentioned now – and perhaps that’s understandable given he took his old club apart in the Champions League.
“It just seems like the wrong time to be even considering selling though. I think Celtic will struggle to get top dollar and yet I believe he will be worth more down the line.
“Kuhn isn’t ready for me. Sometimes you get the feeling a player has reached the natural stage where the next step is inevitable.
“We saw it with Matt O’Riley and Kieran Tierney. They have achieved a lot at Celtic, the money was right and it was the correct step for them personally. Kuhn isn’t at that stage. Yet.”
