Jurgen Klopp has called up Celtic playmaker Mika Baur to the Germany national team for the first time in his senior career.
The 21-year-old joined Celtic from Paderborn in the summer in a deal worth around £4 million. Klopp confirmed the selection as part of his first squad announcements since replacing Julian Nagelsmann as Germany head coach.
Baur’s inclusion comes after a bright start to life at Celtic Park. He has quickly become a regular fixture in the matchday squad. His call-up marks the first senior international recognition of his career. Representing a significant early milestone following his move to Scotland.
Jurgen Klopp Explains Decision to Select Celtic Playmaker
Klopp addressed the decision directly, praising Baur’s attitude and outlining the conversations the pair have already had about settling into life in Glasgow.
“I consider him really exciting. He’s absolutely up for it. We also spoke on the phone about the weather in Glasgow. Something I know well from Liverpool. With this move, he’s taken on a very challenging step.”
The comments came in the wake of Baur’s £4 million switch from Paderborn. Just one of the transfers that formed part of Celtic’s summer recruitment drive. Klopp’s remarks confirm that the German coaching staff have been tracking the playmaker’s progress closely. The reference to Liverpool underlines his own familiarity with adapting to Scottish and British conditions.
International Recognition Follows Baur’s Immediate Celtic Impact
Baur’s call-up follows a decisive contribution on the pitch. He scored the winning goal in Celtic’s 1-0 away win against St Johnstone. Strengthening his case for regular involvement in Martin O’Neill’s plans this season. Supporters can follow Martin O’Neill’s squad status for the latest on selection ahead of the next round of fixtures.
The £4 million arrival from Paderborn was one of several additions made by Celtic during the transfer window. All part of a wider push to strengthen the squad’s creative options. Full details of that business, including Baur’s signing, can be found in our report on Celtic’s deadline-day transfer business.
Klopp’s decision to hand Baur a first Germany call-up so soon after his move underlines the impression he has made in a short space of time at Celtic Park. It also gives the club a fresh source of international exposure heading into the coming weeks.
Germany Fixtures and Asian Games Schedule Ahead
Baur will link up with the Germany squad ahead of a run of Nations League fixtures against the Netherlands, Greece and Serbia.
Klopp took charge of the national team after Nagelsmann’s exit. This followed Germany’s round of 32 defeat at the 2026 World Cup, and these matches represent an early opportunity for the new head coach to assess his options.
Elsewhere on international duty, South Korea winger Yang Hyun-jun helped his country begin their Asian Games campaign with a 4-1 win over Qatar. Yang, reflecting on South Korea’s early World Cup exit, set out the squad’s ambitions for the tournament.
“I am still very upset with our results at the World Cup. I remain very frustrated about it. But the only way to try and make it up to our supporters is to win this Asian Cup and bring back joy to the fans.”
He also spoke of the collective mindset within the squad and the role younger players could play in the country’s football future.
“The entire team is united with the single goal of a gold medal, and the manager here has the same mindset.”
“There are so many young players here with a lot of potential, and I believe they can use this tournament as a stepping stone to grow into the senior national team in the future, and they can help revitalise Korean football.”
On his own performance against Qatar, Yang was candid about areas needing improvement.
“Honestly, I wasn’t satisfied with my individual performance.”
“I missed a lot of chances and I made too many mistakes more often than I expected, so I need to improve my concentration.”
“I need to be more active on the wings and provide more of a threat. Personally, I need to reduce my mistakes, make more sacrifices for the team, and run an extra mile.”
“I was disappointed to lose a goal against Qatar, but if we can improve our concentration, we are fully capable of winning.”
Full details of Klopp’s comments on Baur’s call-up were first reported in the Daily Record report. Celtic supporters will now watch closely to see how their new signing fares on the international stage over the coming international break.
