Celtic are nearing an agreement to appoint Wilfried Nancy as their next manager, with talks now at an advanced stage, BBC Scotland understands. The club has been searching for a new head coach since Brendan Rodgers stepped down last month.
In the interim, Martin O’Neill, supported by Shaun Maloney, has guided the team through five matches. O’Neill has impressed domestically with four wins, though a loss to Midtjylland in the Europa League halted momentum. Celtic currently trail Premiership leaders Hearts by four points but still have a game in hand.
As Celtic prepare to face Feyenoord in their fifth Europa League fixture, the club also looks ahead to defending the Premier Sports Cup final next month against St Mirren.
“Celtic need some sort of unification,” O’Neill said after fans voiced frustration toward the board.
Tensions have been rising off the pitch after the club’s annual meeting was cut short due to shareholder protests, including chants of “sack the board.”
Who Is Wilfried Nancy?
Nancy’s coaching journey began in Canada after his playing career in France. He first took charge of CF Montreal in 2021 after Thierry Henry’s departure, winning the Canadian Championship in his debut year.
He later joined Columbus Crew in 2022, where he lifted the MLS Cup in 2023 and the Leagues Cup the following year, earning the MLS Coach of the Year award. Across North America, he has managed more than 215 matches.
If appointed, Nancy would take on his first European managerial role, marking a major step in his coaching career.
Despite Crew finishing seventh in the Eastern Conference this season, Nancy remains one of MLS’s most respected tacticians—making him a significant potential capture for Celtic.
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