Celtic have now reportedly slapped an asking price on in-demand defender Maik Nawrocki after his loan spell away from the club.
Nawrocki joined the Hoops from Legia Warsaw in 2023, but he has struggled to establish himself at the club, making only 13 league appearances to date. His lack of outings led him to a loan move this season, with the centre-back spending the season on loan at Hannover 96 in 2.Bundesliga.
Interest in Nawrocki ramps up
Despite playing pretty regularly at Hannover, making 17 league appearances, the German club passed up a 2million euro option to sign him permanently this summer.
According to Fussball Transfers, Celtic are now looking for 4million euros to sell the 25-year-old, although that may not end Hannover's interest, and there is said to be interest from Germany ahead of the summer.
That could allow Celtic to cash in, but there is a danger of that price tag putting off some clubs, and there may need to be a compromise, especially if they don't plan to use the player going forward.
Nawrocki actually played a part in six goals from centre-back during the season just gone,scoring three and assisting as many. Celtic have some leverage, given his solid form and the fact he has two years remaining on his deal, but Hannover's failure to win promotion - ultimately narrowly missing out on the top three and a shot at promotion - may cost them the chance to get a deal done.
Nawrocki may have to look elsewhere, but his form in Germany will have helped stir up some interest on the continent. The Bhoys will be hoping so as they look to bring in some cash to aid their own recruitment this summer.
O'Neill departure could change things
The other factor in the Nawrocki situation is that Martin O'Neill's future is up in the air at this stage. If O'Neill stays, it's logican that Nawrocki will be on the transfer list, as seems to be the current plan, given he did not work with him last season.
But a new manager could offer the Polish defender a fresh start next season, or at least the chance for him to stake his claim during pre-season. Interest from other clubs and a willingness to meet that pretty sizable asking price will be the biggest factor, though, with Celtic likely to cash in if an offer near that amount arrives.
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