French top-flight runners-up Lens have signed Maik Nawrocki from Celtic, saying the 25-year-old is the perfect fit for their three-man central defence.

The former Poland Under-21 international had spent last season on loan to Hannover 96 as they finished fourth in Germany’s second tier.

Advertisement

But he did not feature in Celtic manager Martin O’Neill’s plans and the Scottish champions have struck a deal with Lens for his permanent departure.

Lens sporting director Jean-Louis Leca told his club website: “Maik is a tough, uncompromising defender who understands the demands of playing in a back three and fits perfectly into our style of play thanks to his comfort on the ball.

“He cuts an imposing figure and will bring both athletic power and aerial prowess to the team.

“At 25, he still has plenty of room for growth and we believe he will develop significantly here under a coaching staff that really values ​​his profile.”

Advertisement

Celtic bought Nawrocki from Legia Warsaw in 2023, but he made only 18 appearances, 12 of them starts, his last being in a 5-1 win over Aberdeen in May 2025 when he also scored his one and only goal for the Glasgow club.