Newly promoted Bundesliga outfit Paderborn have lost leading goal-scorer Filip Bilbija to second tier English side Derby County. Although Paderborn did wish to renew the 26-year-old's expiring contract, Bilbija, who scored 15 goals last season, rejected the opportunity to remain in East Westphalia after he technically became a free agent three weeks ago.
Paderborn already lost defender Calvin Brackelmann (moved to Augsburg on a free) and keeper Dennis Seimen ( returned to Stuttgart following the expiry of his loan deal) without pocketing a single cent. Bilbija's move to the Isle now means three outgoing transactions have left the club without a penny. It's in this context that one assumes Paderborn will be eager to complete the €5m sale of attacking midfielder Mika Baur to Celtic.
Recent statements by Paderborn sporting director Sebastian Lange seemed to insinuate that the SCP is counting on the revenue of the Baur sale. Speaking to Kicker, Lange specifically noted that " without giving too much away, we're already in a position to do that [buy more players]. " Lange and his staff are rumored to be courting former Kaiserslautern standout Daisuke Yokota, currently at Hannover 96.
Paderborn may also sell midfielder Laurin Curda to Mainz for around €3m.
"Thank you, Filip, for everything!" Paderborn wrote of Bilbija's move on their website. " Thanks for your dedication, your goals, and so many wonderful moments together! We wish you every success and all the best on your journey ahead! It was a great time together! "
