Celtic defender set for Paradise exit with move to ambitious Ligue 1 side | OneFootball

Celtic defender Maik Nawrocki looks to be edging towards the exit this summer. The Polish defender arrived from Legia Warsaw but has failed to hold down a permanent position.

In an update on Twitter, Polish journalist Tomasz Włodarczyk revealed that Nawrocki was on the verge of making a move to French club RC Lens.

It is not clear whether Nawrocki will depart on a permanent basis of simply a loan deal. Given that the 25-year-old has two years remaining on his deal, Celtic may look to maximise the value in the defender and sell him to recoup the fee that they paid to Legia Warsaw in 2023.

Nawrocki has made just 18 appearances for Celtic, scoring once, but he likely requires to move away in order to play regularly for his own career progression.

Rafael Nel of Sporting CP (L) tries to pass trough Maik Nawrocki of Celtic FC (R) during the Sporting CP v Celtic FC Pre-Season Friendly match at Estadio Algarve on July 14, 2026 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues

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Martin O’Neill revealed that he saw Nawrocki as being a fifth choice defender, behind Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Auston Trusty and Dane Murray. This came as a surprise to the Celtic supporters, many of whom support the suggestion that Nawrocki has been solid whenever he’s been called upon.

Celtic have a fair bit of work to do in the transfer market. Forward Duran arrived from Qarabag but significant work is required, especially as there will likely be some further departures.