Brentford ramp up their interest in Celtic star as Bhoys stand firm on valuation

🔍 Brentford Intensify Pursuit of Celtic Star as Hoops Hold Firm

Summary:

• Brentford are increasing their interest in Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn as a potential replacement for Bryan Mbeumo.
• Celtic remain resolute on a valuation reportedly in the region of £20–25 million, rejecting lower bids despite Brentford’s pursuit.
• Brentford’s interest dates back to late 2024, with heightened urgency following Mbeumo’s expected departure to Manchester United. Celtic have not formally engaged in negotiations beyond expressing their firm stance on value.

🧭 Background: Why Nicolas Kuhn is Appealing to Brentford

• Bryan Mbeumo, Brentford’s top creative and goalscorer last season, is on the verge of a Manchester United move. Brentford need a like-for-like attacking profile.
• Nicolas Kuhn, a German-born winger, has impressed at Celtic after joining from Rapid Vienna in January 2024. He’s known for his pace, dribbling, creativity, and ability to score or assist—traits that mirror Mbeumo’s influence.TEAMtalk+15EPL Index+1567 Hail Hail+15Reddit+11TEAMtalk+11Celts Are Here+11
• Brentford view him as their ideal successor, having monitored his progress through multiple scouting missions across the 2024–25 season.TEAMtalkCelts Are HereTEAMtalk

📈 The Timeline of Brentford’s Interest

1. Initial Monitoring (Late 2024)
   • According to Standard, Brentford began scouting Kuhn along with other Celtic prospects such as Patrik Kovacs. No formal bids were made then.The Standard
2. Interest Intensifies with Mbeumo Exit Looming
   • Sports Mole and TEAMtalk reported Brentford’s identification of Kuhn as key to replacing Mbeumo, with Brentford ready to act swiftly if needed.The Scottish Sun+10Sports Mole+10EPL Index+10
3. Formal Discussions Begin
   • As negotiations over Mbeumo progressed, Brendan Rodgers was made aware of Brentford’s interest in Kuhn. Houding discussions likely began with Kuhn’s representatives.67 Hail HailEPL Index

💬 Celtic’s Position: Standing Firm on Valuation

• Celtic are reportedly valuing Kuhn in the £20–25 million range, given his importance to the team and contract until 2029. Sources indicate they’ve rejected approaches below this mark.67 Hail HailLondonWorldEPL Index
• The club view Kuhn as a core player in Brendan Rodgers’ setup. His consistent impact in the Scottish Premiership and Champions League has significantly boosted his stock.Reddit+767 Hail Hail+7GlasgowWorld+7
• Rodgers has emphasized the importance of value-driven sales: “they value Kuhn highly, and nothing less will do.” The club’s policy of strategic, high-return transfers continues to guide their thinking.67 Hail HailTEAMtalk

📊 Player Profile: Nicolas Kuhn at a Glance

Kuhn’s breakthrough performances, particularly in Champions League games (e.g., vs. RB Leipzig), caught wider attention, with pundits praising his technical elegance and impact.GlasgowWorld+2TEAMtalk+2EPL Index+2

✳️ Brentford’s Urgency: Mbeumo Sale Triggers Negotiation

• With Mbeumo’s prospective move to Manchester United, Brentford must act quickly to preserve their attacking potency. Mbeumo’s departure could create a leadership void on the flank and a need to retool the forward line.The Celtic Star+6TEAMtalk+6Celts Are Here+6
• Brentford’s recruitment strategy, led by outgoing Thomas Frank and new manager Keith Andrews, emphasizes athletic, multifaceted profiles. Kuhn aligns with that model.Wikipedia+2Sports Mole+2EPL Index+2
• While the exact fee hasn’t been disclosed, sources suggest Brentford expect to push closer to Celtic’s valuation—though whether that reaches £25m remains a negotiation point.LondonWorld+1567 Hail Hail+15GlasgowWorld+15

🧩 Negotiation Constraints and Tactical Fit

Tactical Value:

• Kuhn combines finishing, off-ball movement, and pressing. He integrates well into systems requiring high-tempo counterattack and width—similar to Brentford’s playing style last season.TEAMtalk+1EPL Index+1

Celtic’s Resistance:

• Celtic’s desire to maintain stability and squeeze maximum value from their transfer model means they’re unlikely to budge below their set valuation.
• They have a history of strong bargaining: selling players like Matt O’Riley, Kieran Tierney, and Jota, each at premium fees. They expect Kuhn to follow suit.TEAMtalk+1GlasgowWorld+1

🔁 Alternative Scenarios

1. Brentford Match Celtic’s Asking Price

• Could lead to a swift agreement. Kuhn has shown openness to Premier League competition, which may facilitate transfer if the financial terms align.

2. Celtic Hold Firm and Brentford Deferred

• Brentford might pause negotiations if Celtic refuse to budge on fee—either pursue alternative targets or reassess their budget allocation.

3. Other Clubs Enter the Race

• Brighton, Newcastle, Fulham, and Bundesliga sides have reportedly scouted Kuhn, which could elevate the fee and urgency.TEAMtalkTEAMtalkEPL Index

4. Brentford Switches Priority

• Brentford may shift focus elsewhere—such as midfield targets or emerging attackers—if Kuhn remains cost-prohibitive.

🔍 Fan and Expert Reaction

• Celtic fans, via social media and forums, voiced surprise but also support for retaining Kuhn unless a substantial offer arrives.
• Football analysts cite Kuhn’s trajectory as transformative, but warn Celtic risk losing momentum if they overprice a key asset.67 Hail HailTEAMtalk
• Teamtalk sources pointed out Thomas Frank’s admiration for Kuhn as a player who can seamlessly replace Mbeumo’s attacking weight.The Standard+10TEAMtalk+10EPL Index+10

📌 What’s Likely Next?

1. Negotiation Upscale: Brentford will proceed with an improved bid that meets or surpasses the £20m threshold.
2. Celtic Response: With no obligation to sell, Celtic may test Cook whether offers reach the £25m ceiling—or stall entirely.
3. Player’s Input: Kuhn has yet to publicly signal preference, but Premier League ambition could influence Celtic’s decision.
4. Other Clubs’ Moves: If Brighton, Newcastle, or others submit bids, Celtic’s negotiation leverage strengthens.

✅ Conclusion: At a Crossroads

• Brentford’s interest in Nicolas Kuhn has shifted from scouting to acceleration, triggered primarily by the imminent departure of Bryan Mbeumo.
• Celtic remain unwavering in their valuation—anticipating a potential £20–25m deal, and holding all leverage now that release clauses or contractual boxes are no longer an issue.
• The outcome will shape Brentford’s off-season trajectory and test Celtic’s ability to balance ambition with fiscal discipline.

The coming days should see whether Brentford are prepared to meet Celtic’s valuation—or whether the clubs part ways in a standoff over transfer worth.