Celtic defender Maik Nawrocki is not ruling out a return to the club this summer, as he impresses on loan at Hannover 96.
BILD report on the 25-year-old today, including comments from him, about a potential return to Celtic this summer.
His stock has rarely been higher, becoming something of a cult hero at Hannover after a derby-winning striker against Braunschweig. That’s led to plenty of attention on the streets.
“I’ve been approached about it a few times on the street,” he admitted.
“It’s nice that it means so much to the people here and that I was able to make them happy. But I don’t want to overdo it. The winning goal against Braunschweig doesn’t make me a better player.”
But while Hannover fans are celebrating, whether he stays in the summer remains to be seen.
Return to Celtic?
The current loan deal between Celtic and Hannover includes a purchase option for the summer. But that will only be activated if Hannover are promoted to the Bundesliga at the end of this season.
A report last month explained the situation, including quotes from Hannover 96 managing director Jörg Schmadtke about the Celtic man’s future.
Hannover are currently five points behind leaders Schalke in fifth. That means Nawrocki’s future remains unclear. And he himself admits that there are multiple possibilities.
“Staying here, going back to Celtic, or maybe going somewhere completely different: there are several options. It doesn’t just depend on me,” he said.
Celtic overhaul incoming
Maik Nawrocki’s future at Celtic Park will likely depend on who the next permanent manager is. Martin O’Neill will be stepping down at the end of the season after his two interim spells this season.
That change is just one of several expected at the Scottish giants following a season of disappointment, fan unrest and calls for an overhaul.
That is something Nawrocki is aware of. And he’s choosing to focus on what he can control for the time being.
“My focus is on the upcoming matches, and I’m looking forward to them,” he added.
“Nobody knows what will happen after that. So, there’s no point in worrying about it now.”
Poland dream could drive plans
One matter that could drive his plans for the summer is his hopes of playing for Poland. He’s never played for his country, despite appearances at U15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 21 level.
Playing regularly at club level will undoubtedly help with that and he’s more than aware of that fact. Having already left Celtic for playing time this season, it’s a factor to consider.
“I played for Poland as a youth, and of course, I dream of my first call-up to the senior national team one day. I think I’m on their radar. But my chances will only increase if I play regularly for my club,” he concluded.
Unseen benefits of Celtic exit
For now, he’s focused on the benefits of his current loan spell. He’s established himself as a regular, made himself a cult-hero and enjoyed the benefits.
He considers his move away from Celtic last summer to be the right choice, for more benefits than immediately meet the eye.
“During my time in Warsaw and at Celtic, we (his family) saw each other very rarely,” he admits.
“Now it’s only an hour’s drive, and I visit more often. My family comes to the home games, and often to the away games too. I really enjoy that.
“It was important that I was playing regularly again after two years. I like it in Hannover. The city is absolutely beautiful. I felt comfortable in the team right from the start.” Laughing, he adds: “And the weather is much better than in Scotland.”
