Celtic Close in on New Manager and Boss to Take Striker With Him from MLS Club

Celtic are in advanced discussions to land their new manager – and he wants to take a striker with him to Glasgow in the January transfer window.

Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy will become Celtic gaffer in the coming weeks following lengthy talks over a contract as well as a compensation package with the MLS club.

The Hoops saw former leader Brendan Rodgers resign in what was a shock decision from the Northern Irishman and his exit was followed by an incendiary statement from leading shareholder Dermot Desmond explaining how Rodgers had acted in “self interest” throughout a difficult season.

Desmond’s comments did not sit well with the fanbase and the Celtic AGM was cut short after his son, Ross, blasted supporters and branded them “bullies” over a number of issues.

It has been a tough season for Celts who sit behind title chasers Hearts who are also still leading the Scottish Premiership by four points. But the outcome of the shambolic annual general meeting did not put off Nancy, 48, who is close to being appointed new boss to remove Martin O’Neill from his interim role.

The head coach of the Crew has beaten out the likes of Kieran McKenna and Kjetil Knutsen who were believed to be in the running and will be the 20th different manager Celtic Football Club have named in their storied career.

Does Nancy have the credentials to be Celtic manager?

Nancy has been rated highly within MLS circles and was named the league’s coach of the year in 2024, which will come as interesting reading for Celtic fans already prepared to buy in.

He is a winning manager and lifted the MLS Cup and the Leagues Cup in a couple of short years in Ohio.

Trophies are essentially the be-all and end-all in Glasgow with Celtic and Rangers both tied up at 55 title victories across the history of the top flight. Should Nancy help Celts to the gold medal this season, he will immediately be considered a success.

European football is also a consideration for Nancy with the Hoops fans desperate to see their squad build upon last season under Rodgers when they were a kick away from knocking Bayern Munich out of the Champions League. It has been Europa League football this season – and a poor run to boot – but the Frenchman will have support to compete.

January transfer business and striker signing plan

Speaking of support, the hierarchy MUST provide Nancy with the funds that he will need to improve the squad in the next transfer window.

There have been protests from Celtic fans this term following the disaster that was the summer window and these protests have had a major impact on the squad, as admitted by Rodgers at the time.

The disgraceful AGM was also problematic because, at the centre of it all, fans do not believe the board spent enough money or quickly enough to qualify for the Champions League. For that reason Celtic flopped against minnows Kairat Almaty in the playoff which was an embarrassment to both club and fanbase.

Celts have been playing with a false nine in Daizen Maeda at times while Johnny Kenny has recently staked a claim with some decent performances and a couple of goals. But Nancy, according to reports, has already identified the frontman he wants to sign and it is a forward he will take with him from Columbus.

It will be an ambitious swoop for Crew striker Wessam Abou Ali who cost the MLS outfit just shy of £6million when he joined earlier this year.

The Palestine international, 26, hit 22 goals in 39 showings last season and he has had decent spells at other clubs such as Aalborg and Silkeborg as well.

It is likely Celts would have to stump up more than £6m for the attacker but given the fan furore over the summer, money man Desmond would be likely to sanction a decent chunk of cash being spent. That would give Nancy his man.

What has been said about Nancy to Celtic?

Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew is just one of many pundits and ex-professionals who have had their say and he has been “excited” about the prospect of Nancy taking the gig.

“It’s exciting,” said Mulgrew. “It’s something really left-field. Similar to Postecoglou, that’s all I keep thinking about. Something a bit different.

“Looking at it a wee bit, when his name was mentioned, his principles and how he goes about his work. He likes to combine structure and positional play with creativity. Emphasising on players playing with courage on the ball.

“But this is all fine and well, saying that. When it comes to Celtic, let’s see what he does. The proof will be in the (pudding). If he acts that, and wins games. And also has a style.

“I am excited about potentially a back three being in place. I think the 4-3-3, I’ve watched it for a few years now. It’s fine, it is what it is.

“I quite like the change to a back three. Four in the central area and midfield. Wing-backs with a striker. I am hoping that’s what he does and changes it up completely, because I like to see something different.”