The defender joined Celtic three years ago from Legia Warsaw but was loaned out to Hannover 96 in Bundesliga 2 last season.
Despite making just 17 appearances for Hannover he has done enough to earn a step up to join Lens who finished last season just six points behind Paris Saint Germain in Ligue 1.
It appears to be a massive show of confidence in the defender who was recently told that he was Celtic’s fifth choice central defender. Behind Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Auston Trusty and Dane Murray.
It is unclear if the move is on a permanent basis or a season long loan. Nawrocki is under contract with Celtic until May 2028.
Nawrocki played for Celtic in the friendly against against Shelbourne then travelled to Portugal.
Now, like Shin Yamada at OH Leuven, he is on the move out of Celtic. Luis Palma and Stephen Welsh left earlier in the transfer window.
?? Maik Nawrocki (Celtic Glasgow) blisko RC Lens! ?rodkowy obro?ca ma by? ju? we Francji przed przej?ciem testów medycznych.
Je?li nie wydarzy si? nic na oststniej prostej, do??czy do ostatnio podpisanego Micha?a Skórasia:
?? https://t.co/v5ZVtfaZKH pic.twitter.com/QwXJEf2gTP
— Tomasz W?odarczyk (@wlodar85) July 16, 2026
As it turns out, the Ligue 1 club is eager to sign another Pole. According to our information, Maik Nawrocki is expected to join their ranks .
The player is expected to be in France for scheduled medical tests. His transfer is expected to be announced on Friday.
Last season, the 25-year-old played for Hannover in the Bundesliga. He made 17 appearances, scoring three goals and providing three assists.
Nawrocki’s achievements in Germany could have been greater if not for health problems. The footballer struggled with, among other things, a back injury.
There were high hopes for Nawrocki when he joined Celtic in the summer of 2023 just as Carkl Starfelt was leaving to join Celta Vigo.
Alongside Gus Lagerbielke the incoming duo were expected to provide cover and competition for Carter-Vickers.
It never worked out that way for either signing.
Liam Scales came in from the cold to establish himself with Nat Phillips a late loan signing from Liverpool at the end of the transfer window.
Although unlikely to be a starter when the competitive season gets underway on August 3 the departure of Nawrocki thins out the Celtic squad.
Any team that finishes 6 points behind PSG is a step up for the lad, a team it would appear to be a fair bit better than us and they see something they like. Makes you wonder
No agent problems when it comes to selling