Celtic are nearing completion of a deal to sign Maik Nawrocki. The Polish defender is close to sealing a £4.3m deal to join the Scottish Champions from Legia Warsaw as Brendan Rodgers looks to strengthen his backline ahead of the new campaign.
Whilst Nawrocki is predominately a central defender, the 22-year-old can also play on the right side of defence. This is something that will be pleasing to the manager (and supporters) as Nawrocki is able to step in and deputise for Alistair Johnston.
May 2, 2023, Warsaw, Poland: L to R Dominik Hladun, Kacper Tobiasz, Maik Nawrocki, Igor Strzalek of Legia celebrate a winning match during the ceremony after Fortuna Polish Cup final match between Legia Warszawa and Rakow Czestochowa at PGE National Stadium. Final score Legia Warszawa 0:0, 6:5 on penalties Rakow Czestochowa. Warsaw Poland – Photo Mikolaj Barbanell
Johnston is currently sidelined and is expected to miss the start of the season while Anthony Ralston has picked up a knock. The Scottish Internationalist is expected to be fit soon but Brendan may be tempted to enter the loan market to provide cover at right-back.
In the games against Yokohama F Marinos and Gamba Osaka, Celtic had to use Tomoki Iwata as cover but the manager will not want to risk his European journey by having to put square pegs in round holes. It is important that there is ample cover in all areas of the pitch and it could be a live concern for the club’s recruitment team as they look to offer an alternative at right-back.
WARSZAWA 12.05.2023 PKO EKSTRAKLASA 32. KOLEJKA LEGIA WARSZAWA – JAGIELLONIA BIALYSTOK MAIK NAWROCKI RADOSC JOSUE FOT. MARCIN SZYMCZYK/FOTOPYK / NEWSPIX.PL — Newspix.pl
Nawrocki is in Glasgow as he nears a move along with Yang Hyeon-jun and Kwon Hyeok-kyu as Celtic close in on a trio of signings.
Elsewhere, Celtic will also not make moves for Jonny Evans, who was linked with a reunion with Rodgers, who he worked with at Leicester City. The irishman has signed a short-term deal with Manchester United. Another United player that will not be swapping the English Premier League for Celtic is Scott McTominay after it was confirmed that Celtic were not interested in pursuing the Scotland Internationalist.
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