Celtic Pursues Wilfried Nancy as Next Manager Amid Ongoing Negotiations

Celtic has reportedly initiated formal communication with Columbus Crew concerning Wilfried Nancy as a prospective manager, marking the club’s first direct engagement after weeks of discussions with the MLS coach. This outreach signifies a pivotal advancement in their quest to succeed Brendan Rodgers.

According to ESPN, both parties are currently “working to finalize an agreement that is trending toward Wilfried transitioning to the Scottish Premiership.” The negotiations also involve deliberations on which members of Nancy’s existing coaching staff might accompany him to Glasgow, should the move to European football come to fruition.

Since Brendan Rodgers resigned on October 27 following a challenging start to the season, Celtic has been without a permanent manager. Club legend Martin O’Neill has been acting as interim manager, steering the team through a transitional phase while the board continues its search.

Under O’Neill’s temporary guidance, Celtic has shown signs of stabilization but remains four points behind in the Scottish Premiership title race, although they have a game in hand. U.S. internationals Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty are on the squad, with Carter-Vickers currently sidelined due to injury until April.

Wilfried Nancy has developed an impressive coaching profile since his transition from a modest playing career in the lower tiers of French football. Prior to his tenure in Columbus, he distinguished himself at CF Montréal, leading the club to one of its finest seasons in MLS history in 2022 and garnering accolades for his player development and tactical acumen.

His arrival at the Crew was transformative, as he instituted an attractive, possession-oriented style that yielded swift results. Under his leadership, Columbus clinched the MLS Cup in 2023, and Nancy was honored as MLS Coach of the Year in 2024, further establishing his reputation as one of the league’s premier managers.

The Crew has reportedly engaged in discussions with Nancy in recent years regarding an extension of his contract, which is currently set to run through 2026, and elevating him among the league’s highest-paid coaches. However, Nancy has appeared hesitant to commit to a longer-term agreement, having long nurtured aspirations to explore opportunities abroad.

Reports suggest that conversations are progressing toward finalizing the terms; nevertheless, any appointment will hinge upon reaching a consensus between the clubs concerning compensation, staff transitions, and a feasible timeline for Nancy’s departure.