Ligue 1 side RC Lens are on the verge of signing centre-back Maik Nawrocki from Celtic, according to L’Équipe. The 25-year-old Polish defender is expected to arrive for a fee of around €2.5 million. Nawrocki has already reportedly travelled to France to undergo a medical examination.
Nawrocki spent the recent season on loan at Bundesliga 2 side Hannover 96, where he made 17 appearances, scoring three goals and providing three assists. Despite being under contract with Celtic until 2028, manager Martin O'Neill does not feature the player in his plans, opening the door for a permanent move. He joined Celtic in the summer of 2022 from Legia Warsaw, but has struggled for consistent first-team opportunities in Glasgow.
Lens have already been active in the transfer window, recently securing the signing of winger Michal Skoras. The addition of Nawrocki would further bolster their defensive options ahead of the upcoming season. Lens finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season, narrowly missing out on European qualification, and are aiming to build a squad capable of challenging for a European spot.
The potential arrival of Nawrocki does not necessarily signal the end of Lens’s pursuit of PSV Eindhoven’s Armando Obispo, L’Équipe reports. The club continues to negotiate with the Dutch side regarding a potential deal for the centre-back, suggesting they are prepared to strengthen their central defence with multiple additions this summer. This indicates a proactive approach to addressing potential vulnerabilities in their squad.
Nawrocki’s height of 1.90m and right-footedness will offer Lens a different defensive profile. His loan spell at Hannover showcased his ability to contribute in attack, adding goals and assists from the backline. This versatility could prove valuable for Lens as they navigate a competitive Ligue 1 campaign.
