Celtic enter 'advanced negotiations' over next manager as L'Equipe send latest on Hoops boss chase
The French media giants believe the club are in the closing stages of their managerial search.
After a long, drawn-out process in search of Brendan Rodgers’ successor, Celtic look to have finally found their man.
Following Rodgers’ shock Parkhead exit, Martin O’Neill took interim charge of the club, twenty years after his last Celtic gaffer stint. While the 73-year old has admitted he’s ‘secretly enjoyed’ being back on the touchline, Dermot Desmond and the Hoops board have identified their target for the next permanent manager.
Columbus Crew’s Wilfried Nancy may be a relative unknown this side of the Atlantic, but his impressive MLS record speaks for itself. The French-Canadian coach has won two trophies in three seasons stateside and was voted last season’s Coach of the Year. Despite this, Hoops fans may have some reservations about his lack of experience in European Football.
Despite the deal appearing from the outside looking in that Nancy is a certainty for the Parkhead vacancy, there are still a few obstacles in the way of Celtic acquiring the 48-year old’s signature, with him contracted at The Crew until beyond 2026. However, French Media outlet, L’Equipe believe the deal between Celtic and Nancy is nearing its conclusion.
Nancy enters ‘advanced negotiations’ with Celtic
According to L’Equipe: “Wilfried Nancy is in advanced negotiations with Celtic FC to replace Brendan Rodgers. The Scottish club needs to reach an agreement with Columbus Crew to buy out the final year of the French manager's contract.
“In search of a new manager since Brendan Rodgers’ resignation at the end of last month, Celtic FC have stepped up their pursuit of Wilfried Nancy. The French coach of Columbus Crew could join the Scottish club this week if the MLS franchise reaches an agreement with the reigning Scottish champions.”
Nancy has emerged the front runner on a shortlist that included the likes of Bodo Glimt boss, Kjetil Knutsen and Ipswich Town man, Kieran McKenna. After a successful interim spell thus far, O’Neill has also been a candidate for the permanent top job.
Plethora of Ligue 1 sides in for Hoops target
L’Equipe also identified that Nancy is a man in demand after his success at Columbus Crew so far. According to them, the former Toulon defender has already been approached by French sides, Reims, Saint-Ettiene and Rennes before Celtic were interested.
Having previously managed at Montreal, should Nancy be appointed, he will reunited with Celtic defender, Alistair Johnston, who played under him during the 2022 MLS season. However, the 27-year old has had an injury-plagued season so far with a recurring hamstring issue and is currently sidelined.
Celtic’s first match after the break will be in Paisley against St Mirren, which O’Neill has hinted he’ll still be in the dugout for. However, with their League Cup final clash, also against The Buddies, just a month away, Desmond and co will be looking to finalise the Nancy deal as soon as possible so he can be sufficiently acquainted with the squad prior to the Hampden showdown.