The news that Wilfried Nancy has emerged as the frontrunner for the Celtic job has begun to make waves across the Atlantic, but key figures in the American media are urging caution, insisting that no official contact has yet been made between Celtic and Columbus Crew.
Patrick Murphy of CBS Sports reported on X:
“Talking to a couple of sources with knowledge of the situation, #Crew96 has not been contacted by Celtic regarding Wilfried Nancy.”
Favian Renkel tweeted:
“It would be catastrophic if Columbus lost Nancy in this offseason.”
That sentiment was echoed by MLS insider Tom Bogert, who wrote on X:
“FWIW: Still no official contact between Celtic and Columbus Crew, I’m told.
Wilfried Nancy is under contract and Crew would need to authorize anything + work out compensation if Nancy is to leave.
Not saying it can’t or won’t happen… just that it hasn’t yet.”
So while reports in the United States suggest things are quiet at the Crew’s end, sources in Scotland paint a different picture.
Initial discussions between Celtic and Nancy’s representatives have already taken place, and the club are now preparing to step up their pursuit over the weekend.
Once Celtic have an agreement in principle with Nancy himself, they are expected to formally approach Columbus Crew and negotiate a compensation package worth around £2 million.
If all goes smoothly, the process could accelerate into next week, the same week as Celtic’s AGM.
And while an appointment announcement wouldn’t completely ease the growing tension among supporters and shareholders, unveiling a new permanent manager would be a significant step forward for the club heading into a crucial winter period.
Celtic travel to St Mirren next Saturday evening. It’s still unclear who will be in the dugout for this.
