Report: Celtic Defender Bundesliga-Bound in Loan with Buy Option

Celtic centre-back Maik Nawrocki is on his way to Hannover 96 in a loan deal that includes an option to buy.

The 24-year-old has completed his medical, with the final paperwork expected to be wrapped up shortly before an official announcement.

Maik Nawrocki Celtic
15th December 2024; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Premier Sports Cup Football Final, Celtic versus Rangers; Maik Nawrocki of Celtic

The move was reported by Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, who confirmed the deal is done and only minor formalities remain. Nawrocki will now join the 2. Bundesliga side with a chance to secure a permanent switch depending on how his loan spell unfolds.

Nawrocki’s departure comes after a mixed two years at Celtic Park. Signed from Legia Warsaw for a reported £4.3 million, the Polish defender never quite managed to cement a first-team place under Brendan Rodgers, making only 13 league appearances.

Despite a promising display in the Glasgow Derby at Ibrox in March, he remained behind Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, and Auston Trusty in the defensive pecking order.

What stands out in this move is the inclusion of a purchase clause. Celtic were previously believed to favour a season-long loan with the view of revisiting Nawrocki’s development next summer.

The reported inclusion of an option to buy calls that approach into question and suggests the club may now be more open to parting ways permanently.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Borussia Dortmund v Celtic – Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany – October 1, 2024 Celtic’s Maik Nawrocki and teammates during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Leon Kuegeler

It remains unclear whether Hannover are obligated to buy, but the shift in stance from Parkhead hints at a possible change in how Nawrocki is viewed internally.

His time in Germany will be watched closely, as Celtic continue work on reshaping their backline, with potential replacements already being explored.

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