Maik Nawrocki’s return to Germany could be just what his career needs. After a stop-start spell at Celtic, the Polish defender has sealed a loan switch to Hannover 96, with a clear shot at redemption in Bundesliga 2.
The move includes an option to buy, a strong sign the Germans believe in his long-term value.
Former boss Kosta Runjaic, who managed Nawrocki at Legia Warsaw, reckons this could be the stage where the 24-year-old finally shows his full potential.
Runjaic, now in charge at Udinese, isn’t throwing shade at Celtic, but he’s honest enough to say Nawrocki might’ve jumped the gun heading to Glasgow two years ago.
Nawrocki’s time at Celtic was mixed. A £4.3 million signing under Brendan Rodgers’ predecessor, he showed glimpses of composure and technical ability. But injuries and a lack of consistent starts saw him fall down the pecking order, especially once Liam Scales emerged as a trusted option last season.
Now, it’s about proving he can be a reliable presence back home. Runjaic has faith. And if Nawrocki clicks at Hannover, don’t be surprised if the move goes permanent next summer.
He said: (the Herald), “Perhaps his move to Celtic came a bit too early for him. But I trust him to make a big impression in the second division of German football.
”He is a very good guy, calm on the ball and he is very technically adept, he has a good passing game and is powerful in the air.
”I would assume he has matured a lot at Celtic in Scottish football. He can play in a back four or a back three.
”He has potential and I would expect Hannover to exercise their purchase option in a year.”
It’s clear Nawrocki’s talent was never the issue. At Legia, he was seen as a future star. But Celtic demanded more physicality and consistency than he could deliver at the time. That’s no knock, plenty have struggled with that jump.
What’s also true? A large number of Celtic supporters believed he deserved more time. Nawrocki rarely put a foot wrong when he did play. Calm on the ball, tidy in possession, and comfortable under pressure, fans saw something in him. But game time was rare, and once Scales locked down his spot, Nawrocki barely got a look-in.
What’s encouraging is how his former coach still backs him. Runjaic knows the player better than most and isn’t one for empty praise. If he says Nawrocki can boss it in Bundesliga 2, it’s worth listening.
Simply put, it’s a fresh start for a player who needs one. And maybe, just maybe, the second act will be better than the first.
