Simon Donnelly’s ‘careful what you wish for’ message to Celtic fans

RB Leipzig is reportedly intensifying their pursuit of the Hoops winger following claims earlier this week that they were in advanced talks to bring back their former player. Reports yesterday suggest that Serie A side Como have also entered the hunt for Kuhn, positioning themselves as potential challengers to RB Leipzig in the bid to sign the Celtic winger.

Cesc Fabregas’ men had an impressive campaign last season, securing a 10th place finish in their first season back in Italy’s top-flight.

The Scottish Champions stand to earn at least £15 million for a player who impressed during the first half of last season but whose performance level dipped in the second half of the campaign, particularly after the Champions League exit in Munich.

Nevertheless, Kuhn played an influential role for Brendan Rodgers’ side in both domestic competitions and in the Champions League, with his goals against Leipzig in the Champions League clearly catching their attention and other clubs across Europe.

Now, former Celtic striker Simon Donnelly questions if the Hoops should hurry to offload the German and expresses concern about finding a suitable replacement.

Speaking during his regular Wednesday spot on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Donnelly said: “You can’t argue about his season and his numbers. There was a period where he was attracting a lot of interest because he was doing so well in the Champions League, scoring goals, performing well, and then I thought his form dipped a little bit towards the end of the season.

“But when you look from a wide player, I think his goals and assists were very, very good. At one point, I think he was pushing Daizen Maeda for Player of the Year. Maeda just kept going, he was consistent right through.

“I don’t know how I feel about it. Jota is going to be a little bit away through injury. I’m not sure. It’s one of those ones, careful what you wish for. Can you get somebody to come in and have that many assists and goals, right from the off? We don’t know.”

Donnelly added: “Kuhn had a slow start the season before, so we’ll wait and see. They will be doing a lot of work in the background. Wide players are the ones that have been linked, so they are obviously looking in that area again. Whether they know Kuhn’s away, time will tell.”

“I think a striker and maybe a centre-back as well, looking at those areas. I think Kieran Tierney is the signing of the summer. If he comes back and is fit and firing, he’s the top signing so far,” the former Celtic favourite said.

Conor Spence

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