Maik Nawrocki in red and black striped Hanover kit

Maik NawrockiImago

Celtic fans say the same thing as Maik Nawrocki edges closer to transfer

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

17 Jul 2026, 12:45 pm

Celtic fans have been left baffled after reports emerged that Maik Nawrocki was closing in on a move to Lens.

The 25-year-old centre-back struggled to break into the Hoops’ starting XI since signing in 2023, and was sent out on loan to Hanover 96 last season.

In Germany, he impressed as the club narrowly missed out on promotion back to the Bundesliga.

Now, the defender is seemingly in line for an upgrade, as Lens, who finished second in Ligue 1 in the 2026-27 campaign, closes in on Nawrocki.

However, this news has not gone down well with the Celtic fanbase, who believe that the former Poland youth international should have been given a second chance.

The Hoops have had issues with their backline in recent months, with Dane Murray being slammed by supporters after the 4-1 defeat to Sporting CP earlier this week.

Celtic supporters unimpressed by Maik Nawrocki sale

Celtic fans are already annoyed at how this summer transfer window has panned out.

The club has brought in just one signing, while Rangers have already overseen a significant squad rebuild.

Therefore, after Tomasz Wlodarczyk reported that the Hoops are set to lose Nawrocki to Lens, supporters were left baffled.

Considering Lens have just finished second in Ligue 1, and could be battling for the title again next season, it seems that the centre-back is set for an upgrade.

Therefore, furious fans have taken to X, questioning why Martin O’Neill and Celtic are not giving the defender a second chance.

Definitely should have kept him! Has to be a back up to Trusty and CCV.
— Badger (@whiterat58) July 16, 2026

Good enough for 2nd best team in France but cant get a game ahead of Dane Murray...
— P...mcg67🍀🇮🇪☘️ (@Pmcg1967_) July 16, 2026

He should be getting into our team. He’s better than Scales and Trusty
— Michael Traynor (@MikeyFT1984) July 16, 2026

What a move for him. A team that would wipe the floor with us. Wouldn't be surprised if we play them in the champions league now and dane murray scores an OG.
— up the celts 🍀 (@Markyboy_1989) July 16, 2026

Bhoy been treated terribly by us. Never let us doon & never made any mistakes that I can think of .. can think of plenty that ALL other CB’s have made
— Lenny Bruce (@lennydabruce) July 17, 2026

Good enough for a side that finished 6 points behind PSG but not better than Dane Murray. We’re a joke.
— Drew (@IamDrewman) July 16, 2026

We’re not a serious club. End of
— Craig Wilkinson (@coach_wilki) July 17, 2026

Celtic have just made baffling Stephen Welsh transfer decision

Was Nawrocki any good last season?

Based on his stats from the 2025-26 campaign, it does appear that Celtic are missing a trick by not keeping the defender at the club.

According to Fotmob on 17 July, Nawrocki averaged 0.21 goals, 0.21 assists, 0.34 big chances created, 5.74 duels won, 3.56 aerial duels won, 1.44 tackles, 2.46 interceptions and 5.95 clearances per 90 minutes in the 2 Bundesliga.

Therefore, it is clear that the centre-back is capable of having an impact both offensively and defensively.

Nevertheless, it appears that Celtic will not be able to harness this ability as Nawrocki closes in on a move to Ligue 1 outfit Lens, in a deal the Hoops may come to regret.

Dane Murray

Martin O'Neill

Celtic Football Club