Maik Nawrocki is reportedly on the radar of Polish side Pogon Szczecin after their managing director confirmed that the club has been in contact with Celtic over a move for the centre back who cost £4.5million from Ligia Warsaw in 2023.
Nawrocki has made just 18 appearances for the club in that period, and the majority of the time he’s played he’s looked a very capable and reliable player, Maik has more than looked the part when he’s been selected, but then the next game he’s dropped. It’s quite baffling to be honest.
Time and time again he’s has been overlooked with even the likes of Stephen Welsh and Dane Murray being seen as a better option in the eyes of Brendan Rodgers.
Brendan sees a lot more of the Polish defender than us so we’ve got to trust his motives when it comes to team selection, but that doesn’t mean you can’t criticise his choices.
Do you think Gustaf Lagerbielke, Stephen Welsh or Dane Murray are any better than Nawrocki? No would be the right answer and it beggars belief that he’s never been given a longer run in the side. My only other conclusion is that it must be down to a personal matter.
If Maik decides to take up the first offer put in front of him to leave the club, then you really can’t blame him. Here’s today’s article from Conor Spence on an exit being the best solution for Maik and there are also some interesting comments at the end, including one from Sandman, of this parish.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Transfer Latest – Maik Nawrocki’s Celtic exit best solution for all parties…
Pogon Szczecin has begun negotiations for the potential signing of Maik Nawrocki, as previously reported on The Celtic Star…
Last season, the 24-year-old saw limited action under Brendan Rodgers, featuring in only three league matches for the Scottish champions.
Nawrocki did not make his first start until March, when he was unexpectedly included in the lineup for the Glasgow Derby clash that ended in a 3-2 home loss to theRangers.
Despite earning praise from his manager for his performance in the derby loss, he made only a few more appearances, as Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Liam Scales were all firmly ahead of him in the pecking order.
After Nawrocki played well in the 3-2 Glasgow Derby defeat against theRangers at Celtic Park Brendan Rodgers later admitted that he was planning on utilising the services of Dane Murray that day but a season ending injury to him meant that the Pole was the last man standing. It was a rare error from Brendan Rodgers to praise one player but effectively dissing another.
Patience of a saint
Now Maik Nawrocki, who has had the patience of a saint at Celtic, is being targeted for a move back to Poland, with Pogon Szczecin’s sporting director, Tan Kesler, confirming that discussions are underway: “We have talked to Maik Nawrocki from Celtic,” he said.
After securing fourth place in the Polish league last season, the club will be aiming to bring Nawrocki back to his homeland, either on loan or a permanent transfer.
Two years ago, Celtic reportedly paid £4 million to Legia Warsaw to acquire his services but despite being a popular player with the support he has never been regarded as a first team starter by Brendan Rodgers, who you will recall did not sign the players arriving in the summer 2023 transfer window.
A move away from Celtic would be the best solution for Nawrocki but the wages back in Poland will undoubtedly be lower. That’s a matter for his agent to talk to Celtic about and hopefully a solution can be found. Another season on the sidelines can’t be satisfactory to anyone involved in this situation.
Conor Spence
READERS COMMENTS…
“In my opinion this is a mistake, given a chance this lad could be a great Celtic player…” Dando
“I agree in fact i don’t know anyone who doesn’t think this guy deserves a run in the team , the boss doesn’t fancy him doesn’t cut it for me, go on educate us Brendan what is your problem with him?” RPM CELTIC FAN
“Above, I would love to hear an explanation, as this guy is easily the best we have in his position. Not that we got much chance to see him, immaculate in every game bar one, and even that one he was ok, and better than most on the field,” Jim
“Second-best centre-back we have. Been solid and effective every time he’s stepped in. Total lunatic intransigence from Rodgers to let him go, then have to spend what? – £5 million on an unproven replacement unfamiliar with the club? Meritocracy, my backside,” Sandman
“Brendan Rodgers has his stubborn streak with many things, mostly positive, but there have been a few headscratchers. This is the one everyone seems to agree on. My buddy thinks its Rocky’s lack of pursuit speed that BR doesn’t like. So what about the positioning, the tackling and the passing? Plus the guy has been a complete professional. He’s like a manager’s dream. Absolute best of luck to him if he goes, he should have been playing far more football by now,” LUBO’S BOOTS
I cannot believe this
Guys been immaculate since the minute he stepped in but managers favouritism gets the best of it.
Shambles, i wish him luck and hope he gets the game time he deserves. https://t.co/bvLTy8jr58
— Bricky🧱 (@Bricky67_) June 17, 2025
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As soon as we signed Trusty, spelt the end of rocki Celtic career, before it even had a chance of getting going.
Even if it remains unclear as to whether Rodgers intends going for a 3 or 4 at the back for next season.
Don’t see where there is even a squad place available for rocki at present imo?
Think our 25man squad will consist of 8 defensive players, and only up to 9, if potentially another Scottish player is required for the homegrown quota imo?
So if the Japanese lad, signs as expected now, that would be 8 defensive options in place already, without Anderson?
So definitely can’t see how or where rocki could possibly fit into our 25man squad imo?