Nicolas Kühn To Depart Celtic - Four Potential Replacements
With Nicolas Kühn poised to join Como, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is expected to dip into the transfer market for a new winger as the Hoops gear up to defend their Scottish Premiership crown.
Celtic remain firm favourites at betting sites to lift the title again, but fans will want the board to invest in quality reinforcements, especially with Jota facing a lengthy spell out and veteran James Forrest now 33.
With Benjamin Nygren already captured by Celtic, another dynamic wide addition could prove vital as Rodgers reshapes his frontline ahead of a crucial campaign both domestically and in Europe.
Four Potential Replacements For Nicolas Kühn
Kühn arrived at Celtic in early 2024 from Rapid Vienna for £3.5 million, and the Hoops now look set to make a significant profit, with Como’s accepted bid reportedly worth £16.4 million.
At Free Bets, we’ve highlighted four realistic replacements who could help fill Kühn’s role, factoring in league quality, tactical fit, and Celtic’s positional priorities as they prepare for another title challenge.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha (Royal Antwerp)
Balikwisha is a dynamic Belgian winger who could be a smart addition to Celtic’s attack.
A right-footed left winger and occasional second striker, he thrives on direct running, 1v1 dribbling, and intelligent movement.
Despite an injury-hit 2023–24 campaign, Balikwisha still delivered nine goals and five assists in 37 matches for Royal Antwerp, underlining his end product and consistency in the final third.
His style suits Brendan Rodgers’ system perfectly: he loves to cut in from the left, press high up the pitch, and link play in the final third.
He also boasts UEFA Champions League experience and brings a strong defensive work ethic, often praised for his pressing and off-the-ball commitment – key traits for Rodgers’ wide forwards.
Balikwisha’s combination of pace, sharp footwork, and goal threat makes him a natural replacement for Nicolas Kühn.
In terms of availability, he’s entering the final year of his contract at Antwerp, and the club are reportedly ready to cash in.
Multiple sources suggest a fee of around £4–5 million could secure him. Celtic have shown interest in previous windows, with a move last summer derailed only by injury. The player has since hinted he was close to leaving and would consider a new challenge.
With Jota out long-term and Kühn set to move on, Balikwisha represents a like-for-like replacement who has proven at a high level and is available at a reasonable price.
If Celtic move quickly, this deal could be both attainable and impactful.
Sondre Orjasaeter (Sarpsborg)
Orjasaeter has quickly emerged as one of Scandinavia’s most exciting attacking talents, with the Norwegian U21 winger standing out in his debut Eliteserien season.
Playing on the left but right-footed, Orjasaeter is an inverted winger known for his electric pace, direct dribbling, and fearless 1v1 play.
He led the Norwegian top flight in successful dribbles (67) with an impressive 54.5% success rate, combining flair with end product.
He also registered 30 shots on target – more than any other winger – and regularly cuts inside to shoot or create chances. While his finishing could improve, the volume and intent are encouraging.
Crucially for Brendan Rodgers, Orjasaeter also puts in a shift defensively, topping all wingers in ball recoveries (118).
His energy and willingness to press make him an ideal fit in Celtic’s high-intensity system - Orjasaeter offers pace, width, and long-term potential, and would be a natural replacement for Nicolas Kühn.
Celtic nearly signed him in January 2025, tabling a £4m bid, but Sarpsborg reportedly held out for closer to £6–7m. Now, with Kühn set to move on, Celtic are expected to reignite their interest.
PSV Eindhoven are also monitoring him, but Orjasaeter is open to a move abroad and could be tempted by Celtic’s platform and European football.
If the Hoops act swiftly, this exciting young winger could be their next big Scandinavian success story.
Nilson Angulo (RSC Anderlecht)
Nilson Angulo is an emerging Ecuadorian winger at Anderlecht who has the attributes to become a long-term asset for Celtic.
At 22, he’s a right-footed wide forward known for his explosive pace, direct dribbling, and ability to beat defenders 1v1 - qualities that align well with Brendan Rodgers’ tactical demands.
Though still refining his end product, Angulo’s raw potential was on full display during his senior international debut for Ecuador against Brazil in June 2025.
His standout performance in that World Cup qualifier drew attention from major clubs, with Liverpool and Celtic both reportedly monitoring his progress.
Primarily deployed on the left, Angulo has also expressed comfort playing on either wing, increasing his tactical value.
At Anderlecht, he’s mainly been used off the bench, offering pace and flair against tiring defences.
Despite limited starts, he registered several contributions across league and reserve matches last season.
Given his age and physical gifts, he’s seen as a high-upside development project, similar to Liel Abada or Jota in their early Celtic days.
Crucially, Angulo is financially attainable. Though under contract until 2027, reports suggest Anderlecht may accept offers around £3 million, especially after a mixed season.
While Angulo has said he’s committed to earning a place in Brussels, he’s also open to new opportunities.
For Celtic, he represents a low-risk, high-reward signing—an impact sub now, with the potential to grow into a first-team star.
If the club wants pace, flair, and future resale value, Angulo could be the ideal fit.
Louie Barry (Aston Villa)
Barry, a former Barcelona academy talent and England youth international, is now fulfilling his promise.
After a standout loan spell at Stockport County, where he scored 16 goals in 24 appearances, Barry caught Brendan Rodgers’ eye and became a key January target for Celtic.
Quick, fearless, and creative, he can play across the frontline, with a preference for the left wing - cutting in on his stronger right foot.
His agility, dribbling, and intelligent movement make him a constant threat, while his technical upbringing at La Masia and with England’s youth teams gives him the football IQ Rodgers values.
Celtic reportedly launched a £10 million bid in January, but Aston Villa turned it down, instead sending Barry to Hull City.
With Villa open to offers this summer and Barry keen for first-team football, a renewed Celtic approach remains possible.
His contract runs until 2027, but a structured deal with add-ons or a buy-back clause could make the move viable.
Barry fits Rodgers’ system perfectly - an attacking winger capable of scoring and switching roles mid-game, similar to Scott Sinclair in Rodgers’ first Celtic stint.
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