Celtic set to appoint Wilfried Nancy as new manager

Celtic are on the verge of naming Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy as Brendan Rodgers’ permanent successor, with negotiations now at an advanced stage.

Sources have confirmed that the 48-year-old Frenchman has emerged as the clear frontrunner after Columbus granted permission for direct talks last Thursday.

Personal terms are close to being finalised, while a compensation package of around £2 million will secure the immediate release of Nancy and several key members of his backroom team.

Nancy, who was named 2024 MLS Coach of the Year last month, has earned widespread admiration for the attractive, possession-dominant style that guided Columbus to the 2023 MLS Cup and has kept them in contention for consecutive titles this season.

Celtic’s recruitment chief Paul Tisdale, leading the search since Rodgers’ controversial October departure, is understood to have been a strong advocate for Nancy, believing he can replicate the transformative effect Ange Postecoglou had upon arriving in 2021.

Martin O’Neill, currently in interim charge alongside assistant Shaun Maloney, will take the team for this weekend’s Scottish Premiership fixture away to St Mirren. 

However, the club are working to have Nancy in place for the following league match against Hibernian on November 30.

An official announcement could come within days, possibly even before Friday’s Annual General Meeting, where frustrated supporters are expected to demand answers over the lengthy managerial vacancy and discontent with the summer transfer window.

Other recent candidates, including Kieran McKenna, Craig Bellamy, Club Brugge’s Nicky Hayen, and Bodø/Glimt’s Kjetil Knutsen, have all fallen out of contention.

A romantic return for Postecoglou was briefly considered but swiftly abandoned once the Australian made clear the timing was not right.

Nancy will inherit a Celtic side sitting seven points behind leaders Hearts, presenting an immediate domestic challenge. 

Meanwhile, interim boss O’Neill continues preparations for the upcoming league trip to St Mirren and next week’s Europa League clash with Feyenoord.