Former Bremen centre-back makes the switch to Hannover

Hannover 96 have secured the services of 24‑year‑old centre‑back Maik Nawrocki, who joins from Celtic on a season-long loan deal that includes an option to make the transfer permanent.

From Werder Bremen, to Legia Warsaw, to Celtic Glasgow – and now to Hannover 96. Maik Nawrocki has completed a loan move to Hannover 96, which includes an option to make the move permanent in 2026.

Born in Bremen and representing Poland at youth levels, Nawrocki moved to Celtic in July 2023 for a reported €5 million from Legia Warsaw.

Despite the move, the central defender made just 18 appearances over two seasons, partly due to injuries and strong competition – his market value has since dropped to around €2 million, according to Transfermarkt.

Nawrocki becomes Hannover’s 14th new signing of the summer, reinforcing a central defence rebuild that already includes Virgil Ghiță, Ime Okon, and Hendry Blank.

This move aims to stabilize a Hannover back line, which was weakened by the departures from Marcel Halstenberg and Phil Neumann.

Nawrocki will integrate into Christoph Titz’s squad immediately ahead of pre-season, ready to challenge for a starting berth. The loan – and option to buy – offers Hannover a cost-effective opportunity to trial him before committing long-term.