Celtic are accelerating negotiations to appoint Wilfried Nancy as their next manager, with the Columbus Crew boss now emerging as the leading candidate to replace Brendan Rodgers.
The Scottish champions formally informed the MLS side on Friday of their intent to open talks, with compensation not expected to be a major obstacle. Nancy is said to be keen on the move, and Celtic hope to have him in place before their trip to St Mirren next weekend, ending Martin O’Neill’s brief caretaker spell.
Nancy, who previously managed CF Montréal, guided Columbus Crew to seventh in the MLS Eastern Conference this season before their playoff exit to FC Cincinnati. Initially considered an outsider, he has since become Celtic’s preferred choice due to his progressive coaching style and willingness to work within the club’s recruitment structure.
Celtic’s head of football operations, Paul Tisdale, identified Nancy as his top target after other options, including Kieran McKenna, Robbie Keane, and Kjetil Knutsen, proved less viable.
