Former Celtic right-back Josip Juranovic has helped convince Maik Nawrocki to sign for the Bhoys.
Journalist Stephen McGowan of The Scottish Daily Mail [22/07 print edition, back page] states that Juranovic received a phone call from the prospective signing, with the Croatian delivering a glowing report on life at the Hoops and telling the 22-year-old that the switch would be good for his career.
Nawrocki is now expected to sign for Celtic from Legia Warsaw in a £4m deal, with the player in the UK to undergo a medical and get through the final transfer procedures.
Juranovic completed a move from Legia to Celtic in 2021 and enjoyed a stellar 18 months at the club before leaving to play for Union Berlin in the Bundesliga. He has always maintained that playing for the Hoops was a joy, despite his exit.
It’s heartening to hear that experience is now contributing to others joining the club, with Celtic said to have fended off interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray.
Nawrocki is a big, physical central defender and will immediately compete for first-team appearances alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt. He has some good experience in Poland, making dozens of appearances for Legia in league, cup and European competitions.
Brendan Rodgers hasn’t commented directly on the speculation but has paved the way for the transfer with comments confirming that he is looking to sign a player into the position.
Celtic have badly needed a third, quality option for a while now. Stephen Welsh and Yuki Kobayashi are available but neither have convinced they are ready to perform consistently in the Hoops.
There’ll now be excitement that Nawrocki can be that man, ramping up competition and providing cover should either Carter-Vickers or Starfelt face extended periods out.
In other news, Brendan Rodgers delivers firm message on Celtic transfers and available budget.
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