Maeda, Engels respond to Kuhn’s heartfelt message after confirmed Celtic exit
Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels are among the Celtic players that have reacted to a parting message from Nicolas Kuhn after his exit from the club was confirmed.
Brendan Rodgers’ side cruised to a fourth successive Scottish Premiership title last season, with Kuhn playing a key part in their success throughout the campaign.
The 25-year-old forward moved to Parkhead from Rapid Vienna in January 2024, but after struggling to make much of an impact in his first half-season, he burst into life last term with 21 goals and 15 assists in 51 games.
His outstanding form saw him linked with a move away from the club this summer, with former scout Mick Brown revealing to Football Insider last month that Celtic were determined to keep Kuhn amid interest from RB Leipzig and Newcastle United.
The Bhoys were believed to be open to accepting sizeable bids though, and the German looked to be on his way out after Football Insider revealed on 7 July that Kuhn was undergoing a medical with Serie A side Como.
Nicolas Kuhn leaves Celtic
Kuhn’s move to Como has now been confirmed, with Celtic announcing his departure on Instagram on Friday (11 July), stating: “We can confirm that Nicolas Kuhn has today joined Italian side, Como. Everyone at (Celtic) thanks Nicolas for his contribution to the club and we wish him every success in the future.”
The 25-year-old moved to send his own heartfelt message to the club’s fans not long after the announcement, saying: “Thank You, Celtic. Saying goodbye is never easy. Especially to a place that has felt like home from the very beginning.
“Wearing the Celtic shirt, hearing the fans sing, having my own song and being part of this club’s history is something I’ll always be proud of. I’ve grown here not just as a player, but as a person. To everyone at the club.
“Teammates, coaches, staff, and especially the supporters. Thank you for the love, the trust, and the unforgettable memories. Celtic will always be in my heart.”
His post was reacted to by now former teammate Maeda, who responded with finger-heart and red heart emojis, while Engels and Paulo Bernardo each left a like.
Celtic are right to sell Kuhn for £15million
Football Insider verdict
Celtic landed £43million in prize money across the 2024-25 season, having also beaten Rangers in the Scottish League Cup final.
It is clear that they are not particularly in need of more funds to add to their squad, especially with highly-rated Swedish winger Benjamin Nygren signed from FC Nordsjaelland, but the reported fee that Como have paid for Kuhn is simply too good to turn down.
Football Insider revealed on 7 July that the Italian side were set to pay £15million for the 25-year-old, which, after one impressive season in Scotland, is a pretty amazing figure that the Bhoys may have potentially received.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 69 | 24 | 18 |
There is no doubt that he will be a big miss now the move is confirmed, but Nygren’s arrival will soften the blow, and Celtic are also targeting a move for Aston Villa starlet Louie Barry, who would also surely impress if he was to join ahead of the new season.
Supporters of the Glasgow giants will likely be irked that they only got the one full campaign out of a talent like Kuhn, but they look well-positioned to keep on challenging at the top of the league next season regardless, especially with question marks over how Russell Martin will adapt to life at Rangers following his summer appointment.