Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph has revealed that Columbus Crew have officially granted Wilfried Nancy permission to speak to Celtic, clearing one of the biggest hurdles in the club’s search for a new manager.
Celtic have kept multiple options warm, but Nancy has been the name sitting at the top of the pile throughout the process. Desmond made the first approach last month and has been steering things ever since, waiting patiently for Columbus’ season to finish before moving back in with purpose. With Crew now out of the MLS playoffs, the door has finally opened for formal talks, and Celtic weren’t slow in stepping through it.
Nancy’s stock is high for a reason. He’s known for coaching players up, getting the best from his squad and building clear identities without relying on massive spending. Columbus fans rave about his eye for development and the way he modernised the club on and off the pitch. It’s that kind of forward-thinking, data-friendly environment Celtic are looking to replicate, especially with the backroom changes already underway in Glasgow.
Now comes the real test. Celtic must convince Nancy that the project, the structure and the expectations match the ambitions he has shown in MLS. At the same time, they need to be sure the French-born coach is ready for the weight of the Celtic job, the scrutiny, the speed of the fixtures and the demand to dominate from week one. It’s clear both sides need the right conditions if this is going to work.
For now, permission to speak doesn’t seal the deal, but it finally brings the conversation into the room where decisions are made. Celtic have wanted this moment for weeks, and they’ve now got it.
The next few days will tell us whether Nancy is ready to make the leap and whether Celtic are ready to hand their rebuild to the man they’ve pursued from the start.
