Celtic close to appointing Wilfried Nancy as new head coach | OneFootball

Celtic are close to appointing Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy as their new manager, with negotiations now at an advanced stage as the Scottish champions move swiftly to replace Brendan Rodgers, according to reports from Sky Sports.

Nancy, crowned MLS Coach of the Year in 2024 after guiding Columbus to both the MLS Cup and Leagues Cup, is finalising paperwork that would see him take charge at Parkhead next week. His trusted assistant, Kwame Ampadu, is also expected to join him in Glasgow, strengthening a coaching partnership that has drawn admiration across North America.

Interim boss Martin O’Neill and assistant Shaun Maloney will remain in the dugout for Thursday’s Europa League trip to Feyenoord and Sunday’s league meeting with Hibernian. However, the club’s long-term vision is now firmly aligned with Nancy, a coach known for his bold, possession-driven football and aggressive high press.

Celtic believe Nancy represents a modern continuation of the Ange Postecoglou blueprint: charismatic leadership, tactical clarity and a track record of overachieving in challenging environments. Recommended by head of football operations Paul Tisdale, Nancy has impressed the club with his rapid rise, guiding CF Montréal to silverware before transforming Columbus into one of MLS’s most dynamic teams.

His style, typically built around a back three and adventurous wing-backs, could suit a squad already familiar with fluid, front-foot football. He would also reunite with Canadian international Alistair Johnston, whom he signed in Montréal.

At 48, Nancy is regarded as one of the most progressive young managers in the game, and Celtic are confident he can translate his North American success onto the European stage. If final details are completed as expected, the Hoops’ new era could begin within days, with optimism building that Nancy’s ambition and energy can reinvigorate their title defence.

GFN | Finn Entwistle