Medical Booked – Celtic Defender Heading for Parkhead Exit

Maik Nawrocki is reportedly in France to undergo a medical ahead of a potential transfer from Celtic to RC Lens.

Polish journalist Tomasz Włodarczyk reports that the centre-back is close to joining the Ligue 1 side, with the deal now believed to be at an advanced stage.

According to the Meczyki report, Nawrocki has travelled to France for his scheduled medical tests. The transfer could be announced as early as Friday should the remaining stages pass without any late problems.

🚨💣 Maik Nawrocki (Celtic Glasgow) blisko RC Lens! Środkowy obrońca ma być już we Francji przed przejściem testów medycznych.

Jeśli nie wydarzy się nic na oststniej prostej, dołączy do ostatnio podpisanego Michała Skórasia:

▶️ https://t.co/v5ZVtfaZKH pic.twitter.com/QwXJEf2gTP

— Tomasz Włodarczyk (@wlodar85) July 16, 2026

The development provides far more substance than the initial claims linking the 25-year-old with Lens.

French outlet Foot Mercato has also reported that Nawrocki is close to moving to the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, providing further backing from the French side of the proposed transfer.

No fee or contract details have been disclosed, while neither Celtic nor Lens have officially confirmed an agreement.

Nawrocki remains part of Celtic’s first-team squad, but his return from Hannover 96 always left questions over where he would fit into Martin O’Neill’s defensive options.

The Polish defender spent last season on loan in Germany, making 17 appearances across all competitions. He scored three goals and provided three assists, although fitness problems restricted his availability during parts of the campaign.

He returned to Glasgow this summer with three years remaining on the five-year Celtic contract he signed after arriving from Legia Warsaw in July 2023.

Nawrocki has struggled to establish himself as a regular since that move. Injuries disrupted his first season, while competition for places limited his opportunities before the loan switch to Hannover.

A permanent move to Lens would give him the chance to rebuild in one of Europe’s major leagues. The French club have already strengthened their squad with another Polish player, Michał Skóraś, and Nawrocki could now follow him to northern France.

From Celtic’s perspective, the deal could bring an end to a transfer which never developed as hoped. Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales and Dane Murray are currently among O’Neill’s central-defensive choices, leaving Nawrocki with a difficult route towards regular football.

The medical has not yet been reported as completed, so the transfer cannot be considered done. However, with Nawrocki now said to be in France and reports on both sides pointing towards an agreement, his Celtic departure appears closer than ever.