Nicolas Kuhn Joins Como in €20m Move from Celtic

Nicolas Kuhn has officially swapped Glasgow green for Lake Como blue, completing a headline-grabbing €20 million transfer that signals the Italian club’s bold ambition ahead of their return to Serie A. The German winger, fresh off a breakout 2024-25 campaign under Brendan Rodgers at Celtic, penned a four-year contract at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia and was unveiled alongside newly installed head coach Cesc Fabregas.

Nicolas Kuhn: Why Como Paid Big for the German Flier

Como’s recruitment team identified Nicolas Kuhn as a priority target months ago, tracking his explosive acceleration, end-product and work rate in both domestic and European fixtures. In 46 appearances for Celtic last season, the 24-year-old contributed 14 goals and 17 assists, ranking among the Scottish Premiership’s top five chance-creators. Data-led scouting highlighted his 2.9 successful dribbles per 90 minutes and a progressive carry distance that dwarfed most Serie A wingers, convincing the Lombardy outfit to break their transfer record.

Financial Structure of the Deal

The €20 million fee is reportedly spread across three installments, with performance-related add-ons that could nudge the final figure toward €23 million. Celtic secured a 15 per-cent sell-on clause, reflecting how highly they rate Kuhn’s future resale value.

Cesc Fabregas Outlines His Vision for Nicolas Kuhn

New boss Fabregas, taking his first full-time senior managerial role, wasted no time underlining the importance of Kuhn’s arrival. “We want creativity and intensity in equal measure,” the former Arsenal and Spain legend told reporters. “Nicolas offers unpredictability in one-v-one situations, but he also presses like a midfielder. That balance is crucial to the brand of football Como supporters will see.”

Tactical Fit in a Fabregas 4-3-3

Fabregas plans to field a high-tempo 4-3-3 shape with inside forwards attacking the half-spaces. Nicolas Kuhn is expected to start on the right flank, cutting inside onto his stronger left foot while an overlapping full-back provides width. Fabregas, famed for his passing vision, wants Kuhn to stretch defences, create overloads and deliver whipped crosses to veteran striker Alberto Cerri.

From Celtic Stardom to Serie A Spotlight

Kuhn’s rise at Celtic Park was meteoric. Initially signed from Rapid Vienna for €3.5 million, he needed only six months to displace more established names. Rodgers lauded his “fearless mentality” after a Champions League group-stage assist against Real Madrid, while supporters voted him Players’ Player of the Year.

Kuhn’s Celtic Numbers

• 14 league goals (third-highest for a winger in the league)
• 11 assists in Premiership play, plus six more in cup competitions
• 82 key passes, the best tally at the club
• 41 successful take-ons in European matches
• Top speed recorded: 34.8 km/h

Those statistics underline why Nicolas Kuhn became such a coveted profile. Serie A’s tactical discipline will pose a new challenge, yet his blend of pace and decision-making suggests he can thrive.

How Kuhn Elevates Como’s Project

Como, backed by Indonesian tobacco magnates the Hartono brothers, have moved swiftly to transform themselves from perennial Serie B contenders into a sustainable top-flight outfit. The signings of Cesc Fabregas as coach, midfield anchor Andrien Tameze from Verona, and now Nicolas Kuhn demonstrate a coherent strategy: blend youthful dynamism with experienced leadership.

Commercial and Branding Impact

The transfer has already boosted Como’s global profile. Shirt sales featuring Kuhn’s newly assigned No. 11 spiked 300 per-cent within 48 hours of announcement. Dazn Italia reports a 12 per-cent uptick in preseason friendly streaming subscriptions, attributed largely to German viewers keen to follow their countryman’s progress.

Market Reaction and Fan Buzz

Italian pundits have largely applauded the deal. Former Azzurri winger Simone Pepe told Sky Sport, “Signing Kuhn at 24 is a statement that Como aren’t here just to survive.” On social media, Celtic fans wished him luck while lamenting the loss, highlighting a sincere bond formed over a short but spectacular stint in Glasgow.

Potential Obstacles

While optimism is high, adaptation challenges remain. Serie A’s low-block defences often frustrate direct wingers. Moreover, Kuhn must master the league’s tactical nuances, including tracking overlapping wing-backs and timing runs to beat intricate offside traps. Fabregas’ midfield blueprint—predicated on quick passing triangles—should, however, shorten the learning curve.

Competitive Landscape in Serie A

The arrival of Nicolas Kuhn adds another layer to a division already brimming with gifted wide attackers. Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Juventus’ Federico Chiesa set the benchmark for dual-threat wingers. Kuhn, hungry to prove himself outside Scotland, relishes the comparison. “I respect those players,” he said at his unveiling. “I’m here to compete and grow.”

Statistical Targets for Year One

Fabregas publicly set attainable objectives: eight league goals, double-digit assists and a top-half finish for Como. Internally, analysts believe Kuhn can surpass those figures if he remains injury-free, pointing to a career-best 91-per-cent availability rate at Celtic.

What This Means for Celtic

Rodgers will now reinvest the windfall in reinforcing his midfield and adding a younger wide option. Despite losing their talismanic winger, Celtic’s model relies on profitable player trading, and Kuhn’s sale represents a 471-per-cent return on their initial outlay.

Opinion: A Calculated Gamble Worth Taking

Como’s capture of Nicolas Kuhn is more than a flashy signing; it’s a litmus test of the club’s long-term project. Spending €20 million on a single player is a risk for any newly promoted side, yet Kuhn’s work ethic and end-product suggest he can justify the fee both on and off the pitch. With Fabregas providing a clear tactical roadmap and ownership willing to support bold moves, this transfer feels less like a gamble and more like a carefully plotted chess move. If Kuhn adapts quickly, Como could secure mid-table stability and lay the foundation for future European pushes—an outcome that would make the investment look like a bargain.