Celtic’s summer 2023 signing rejects loan move

Maik Nawrocki is reported to have rejected the chance to return to Legia Warsaw on a season long loan.

Last summer the defender was Celtic’s most expensive signing but only started seven SPFL matches.

In the final two months of the season Brendan Rodgers stuck with Liam Scales and Cameron Carter-Vickers in central defence with that area of the team expected to be strengthened during the summer.

According to Stephen McGowan of the Daily Mail Bournemouth’s Chris Mepham is an £8m transfer target, at that sort of fee the Welshman would be expected to go straight into Rodgers’ Starting XI.

Later in the article McGowan reveals:

News of an interest in Mepham comes after Legia Warsaw failed in a bid to loan Celtic’s Polish central defender Maik Nawrocki. Blighted by injuries since a £4.5million move last summer, reports in his homeland claim Nawrocki turned down a return to Legia – but could have a change of heart in January if he fails to nail down a first team place.

There would appear to be little benefit to Celtic or Nawrocki in returning to Legia.

If he isn’t likely to feature next season a permanent move would be the best solution but the terms of a contract that runs until 2028 might make that difficult.

While Carter-Vickers will be the first pick in central defence cover will be required after injuries restricted the former Spurs defender to starring 24 out of 38 SPFL matches last season.