Maik Nawrocki has spoken publicly for the first time since completing a season-long loan move from Celtic to Hannover 96, with the German club holding an option to make the transfer permanent.
The 24-year-old centre-back joined Celtic from Legia Warsaw in 2023 for a reported £4.3 million but struggled to establish himself under Brendan Rodgers, making just 18 appearances across two seasons.
Despite flashes of promise, including a goal against Aberdeen and a solid showing in the March derby against Rangers, Nawrocki remained on the fringes of the squad.
With Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, and Auston Trusty ahead of him in the pecking order, Celtic sanctioned the loan move to the 2. Bundesliga side. The deal offers Nawrocki the chance to secure regular first-team football and potentially earn a permanent switch next summer.
Nawrocki’s departure is part of a broader summer reshuffle at Celtic Park. Other exits include Nicolas Kuhn impending move to Como, Greg Taylor to PAOK, and Scott Bain to Falkirk. Meanwhile, Celtic have bolstered the squad with the signings of Kieran Tierney, Ross Doohan, Benjamin Nygren, and Callum Osmand.
He said: (Hannover 96), “I’m incredibly happy to be here and now part of the team. I think we have an exciting journey ahead of us with many new players and a new coach.
“We want to attack the coming season with renewed energy. Now it’s time for me to quickly settle into training, the team, and the club.”
A return to Germany offers Nawrocki a clean slate in surroundings he knows well. Born in Bremen and a product of Werder Bremen’s academy, the defender now has the chance to rebuild his momentum back on home soil.
Hannover 96 ended last season mid-table in the 2. Bundesliga but have shown intent in the market this summer, with Nawrocki becoming their 14th addition.
The club are clearly gearing up for a push towards promotion, and the Polish defender is expected to play a central role in their backline.
From Celtic’s side, the deal provides some flexibility. It opens the door to recover part of the original fee while giving Nawrocki the minutes he was unlikely to find in Glasgow. If he settles and impresses, a permanent switch looks like a real possibility.
With the new campaign fast approaching, both parties will be hopeful. Nawrocki needs a run of games to reignite his progress, while Celtic continue shaping the squad under Brendan Rodgers, looking to move forward with those firmly in the manager’s plans.
