Oliver Walton

Tue 8 July 2025 16:23, UK

Nicolas Kuhn has responded to a new message from Celtic teammate Alistair Johnston as the German forward closes in on a move away from the Glasgow giants.

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 has seen 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 now looks to be on his way out after Football Insider revealed on 7 July that Kuhn was undergoing a medical with Serie A side Como.

Alistair Johnston posts summer update after Gold Cup exploits

Kuhn’s outstanding showings last term were undoubtedly aided by teammate Johnston, who impressed on the same flank at right-back with four goals and 13 assists in 49 appearances.

The 26-year-old spent the majority of his summer at the Gold Cup with Canada, and he took to Instagram on Monday (7 July) to post a number of pictures showing what he had been doing in his time-off ahead of the new campaign, captioned: “bit of summer ‘25.”

Johnston’s message was liked by Kuhn, even though they are soon set to be ex-teammates, while fellow Celtic players Adam Idah, Auston Trusty, Reo Hatate and Arne Engels all also liked the post.

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 are paying for Kuhn is simply too good to turn down.

Football Insider revealed on 7 July that the Italian side will pay £15million for the 25-year-old, which, after one impressive season in Scotland, is a pretty amazing figure for the Bhoys to potentially receive.

There is no doubt that he will be a big miss once 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 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.