From German youth prodigy to Celtic's Champions League hero
In short: Few players navigate the complex web of European football transfers as frequently as Nicolas Kühn. Once a highly-rated prospect at RB Leipzig, his journey through the giants of Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands has led him to become a vital figure in Scotland's most decorated club.
Born in Wunstorf on 1 January 2000, Nicolas-Gerrit Kühn's career has been defined by rapid movement across Europe's top leagues. After developing in the academies of FC St. Pauli and Hannover 96, he rose to prominence at RB Leipzig. During the 2015–16 season, he demonstrated remarkable efficiency, scoring 18 goals in just 22 appearances for the Under 17 Bundesliga side.
His talent earned him a €2 million move to the Dutch powerhouse Ajax in January 2018. This set the stage for a nomadic period that saw him join Bayern Munich in 2020, move to Austria's Rapid Wien for a reported €500,000 in 2022, and eventually find a significant home in the Scottish Premiership with Celtic. In January 2024, he signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with the Glasgow club for a fee of approximately £3 million.
At Celtic, Kühn transitioned from a promising talent to a cornerstone of the squad. His impact was felt globally when he scored twice against his former youth club, RB Leipzig, in a 3–1 Champions League victory in November 2024. While his form fluctuated—notably dipping after reaching 16 goals in early 2025—he remained instrumental in securing Celtic's fourth consecutive league title in April 2025.
Technically, Kühn is noted for his versatility and dribbling prowess. Described by Bundesliga analysts as a player who thrives in one-on-one situations, he utilizes pace and close control to unsettle defenders. Though naturally left-footed, he is equally effective on the right wing or as a supporting attacker, a rare versatility that has seen him represent Germany at every youth level from under-15 to under-20.
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