John Hartson Urges Two Beloved Celtic Stars to Leave This Summer for Fresh Beginnings

Maik Nawrocki and Stephen Welsh Set to Leave Celtic This Summer

Celtic’s defensive duo, Maik Nawrocki and Stephen Welsh, are both reportedly on the verge of leaving the club this summer, with their lack of game time at Parkhead making their departures increasingly likely.

Welsh, currently on loan to Belgian side KV Mechelen in the Pro League, has struggled to break into Celtic’s starting lineup despite coming through the ranks at the Scottish champions. The 25-year-old centre-back had previously been earmarked as a future mainstay in the heart of Celtic’s defense, but a combination of injuries and intense competition for places has meant that regular first-team football has eluded him.

The decision to send Welsh out on loan under manager Brendan Rodgers was seen as a way to get him more game time, as the player, now in his mid-20s, faces the harsh reality of needing consistent minutes to continue developing and advancing his career. His current spell in Belgium, while offering a new environment, also serves as a stark reminder that his time at Celtic could be coming to an end.

Meanwhile, Polish defender Maik Nawrocki’s situation appears even more uncertain. The 24-year-old joined Celtic from Legia Warsaw for a reported multi-million-pound fee just a couple of seasons ago, but has barely featured under Rodgers. Alongside fellow centre-back Gustaf Lagerbielke, Nawrocki has found himself sidelined for much of the past season, with only the rarest of opportunities to prove himself on the pitch.

Despite being a relatively recent arrival at Celtic Park, Nawrocki’s lack of playing time has raised eyebrows, especially given his potential when he first arrived in Glasgow. His sporadic appearances, combined with the arrival of other defensive options, have led many to question his future at the club. Rodgers has preferred to rotate his defensive options, and unfortunately for Nawrocki, he has often found himself on the periphery of the matchday squad.

Former Celtic striker and club legend John Hartson has weighed in on the situation, suggesting that both players may need to move on for the sake of their careers. Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show, Hartson noted that players who are not playing regularly often fail to reach their full potential. “For me, the ones who are on the fringes, and aren’t playing every single weekend, don’t ever look like they are ever going to be regulars. You have got to look to move them on, not just for Celtic, but for their careers as well,” Hartson explained.

Hartson’s comments highlight a wider issue for both players, as they now face the difficult choice of either remaining at a club where they are unlikely to feature regularly or seeking a move elsewhere in search of more first-team football. In particular, he questioned why Nawrocki would want to stay at Celtic given the lack of opportunities: “He came in and I think he has played one game since that. It’s about playing, being involved, and making an impact on the team, in some way or another. If I am out in the cold, I want to go. Why would I want to stay somewhere where I am not playing every week?”

The future of both Welsh and Nawrocki now seems uncertain, and with the summer transfer window fast approaching, it is likely that both players will seek new challenges. While Celtic have a strong defensive lineup, the departures of these two could open up new possibilities for fresh faces to arrive at the club.

For Welsh, the priority will be ensuring that his next move guarantees consistent playing time, as he looks to resurrect his career after a spell away from the spotlight. Similarly, Nawrocki will have to weigh his options carefully, knowing that his next move will be crucial to reigniting his career.

In the meantime, Celtic fans will be left to watch closely as both players are likely to be featured in the club’s summer transfer plans, with their future in Glasgow appearing increasingly unlikely.