Just when it looked like some positivity had been growing around Celtic and their transfer activity, the balloon of optimism was completely deflated after news broke that Kelechi Iheanacho was heading to Turkey.

A lot of fans had thought that it was only a matter of time before fresh terms were agreed with Iheanacho. But clearly that club did not do enough to convince him to stay after allowing the option to automatically extend his contract expire.

That might not be the only piece of bad news coming out of Celtic today either. It now looks like they are set to lose one of their most talented youngsters as well, even though he was never given a fair chance to prove himself at Parkhead.

According to Anthony Joseph, RC Lens are set to sign Celtic centre-back Maik Nawrocki on a permanent deal.

It’s understood that the 25-year-old has agreed a four-year contract with the French club. He completed a medical earlier today.

So, it looks like Nawrocki's move to RC Lens is as good as done. It is only a matter of time before the announcement will be made.

It is worth pointing out that RC Lens finished second in Ligue 1 last season, only six points behind back-to-back Champions League winners PSG.

That should be an indicator of how highly Nawrocki is regarded. He might have earned himself a step-up, despite never even being a regular at Celtic.

The Polish centre-back spent the previous season on loan at Hannover 96 and did well once again. Unfortunately, they did not win promotion to the Bundesliga, which derailed chances of any permanent move this summer.

That has worked out for the better if you are Nawrocki. As for Celtic, they have clearly lost out on a talent. It won't come as a surprise if he goes to Lens and ends up establishing himself as a top centre-back in the French top flight. This could turn out to be a move that the Hoops regret in the long run.

READ MORE: 'To be Announced' - Another Celtic Transfer Close

As for the centre-back position, Celtic have been linked with a few of them in recent times. There have been rumours of bids being made as well, although no deal has been agreed yet.

It is hard to shake off the feeling that Nawrocki could have been a solid fit for the spot. But once the call from RC Lens came, it is hard to imagine he would have even been open to the idea. We can only wish him the best in his journey from here on forward.

Roundtablesports is Free to join! You can post your own thoughts, comment on articles, and start conversations with our Roundtable Writers. Scroll up to the top of the page and click 'Join'.

Download the FREE Roundtable APP, and get even easier access to your favourite teams and news!