Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Fri 10 April 2026 7:00, UK

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Celtic desperately need to upgrade their backline in the summer transfer window. However, Maik Nawrocki may now be the answer to their problems.

The centre-back is currently on loan to Hannover 96 in the 2 Bundesliga and has become a star man for the club.

Currently, he is fighting for promotion to get Hanover back into the top-flight, with the club five points off top.

Nawrocki has been key to this push, and he scored the winner past Eintracht Braunschweig late last month.

Now, with a return to Glasgow in the summer possible, a return to the first-team picture should happen as Celtic prepare their transfer plans.

Maik Nawrocki has been great for Hanover

While Nawrocki struggled for impress at Celtic, he has been excellent in Germany.

Since October, he has cemented himself in the starting XI, and emerged as one of the division’s best defenders.

According to Fotmob, per 90 minutes, he is averaging 2.22 interceptions, 1.48 tackles, 4.19 recoveries, 6.58 clearances, and 56.8 per cent aerial duels won in the 2 Bundesliga.

As a result, it is clear that he has become a top defender and easily has the traits to be successful in the Scottish Premiership.

When talking to BILD on 9 April, Nawrocki refused to rule out a return to Celtic, insisting there are multiple options on the table ahead of the summer transfer window.

Hannover do have an option to buy in the summer, believed to be worth over £1.74million. However, it is unlikely that they will be able to afford this without being promoted back into the top-flight.

Therefore, if this reality happens, Celtic have to make him a first-team player next season, as he could help solve their current issues at the back.

Could Celtic look to target Hearts’ players in the summer?

Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Hearts are confident of fending off interest for their star players from Celtic and Rangers in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The Edinburgh club could still win the Scottish Premiership title as they remain top of the table despite their setback on the weekend.

Nevertheless, even if this does not come about, it has still been a highly impressive campaign from the Jambos.

However, while their players are likely to be in hot demand, it seems unlikely that Celtic will be able to get hold of them.