Former Celtic star Dariusz Dziekanowski has given a thumbs up to the transfer move for central defender Maik Nawrocki, believing the Bhoys could eventually double or triple the money paid for him in profit.
Nawrocki, 22, has arrived on a five-year deal at the club and is set to immediately compete for a first-team berth alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt.
The defender is reported to have cost Celtic a fee in excess of £4m, plus a percentage of profit on any future transfer away from the club. And although he is only just in the door and has a long way to go, Dziekanowski is confident he can be a success in Glasgow.
Nawrocki told to ‘be like Josip’ at Celtic
He said [Daily Record]: “He’s very good on the ball, a right-footer, very comfortable and good at reading the game. He will be a better player than Yuki Kobayashi, who I saw in a few Celtic games. Although Nawrocki will need experience of Scottish football, he is more ready than Kobayashi.
“Celtic are paying good money for Nawrocki, Legia are very happy with this money. I hope he is worth this. I didn’t think someone would pay £4m because Legia didn’t win the title. But when you pay that money, you’re not only paying for now but for the future. He’s only 22. So you know if he plays well for Celtic in the Champions League, all of a sudden, you could have a player worth £8m-15m.
“You can win over the supporters of Celtic if you are 100% focused and fearless. You must make brave decisions, but not stupid ones. And be like Josip Juranovic who came to Celtic from Legia and made an impact. Everyone hopes Maik has the same potential and that he makes the same effort as him.”
Nawrocki had a minor injury on arrival from Legia, where he missed their last fixture, so he isn’t expected to be in the team that faces Wolves in Dublin later today. However, it shouldn’t take him too long to get up to speed.
When the competitive action starts it’s going to be interesting to see who Rodgers goes for in the heart of that defence, with Carter-Vickers closing in on a return and Starfelt being ever-present throughout the summer.
The Polish defender certainly seems to have potential and we’re all hoping he can live up to that promise and show his personality on the pitch, just like Dziekanowski wants.
In other news, Confirmed travellers as Celtic squad pictured leaving for Dublin; new Bhoys involved.
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