Jeff Carlisle
Celtic FC has officially reached out to the Columbus Crew regarding the potential hiring of Wilfried Nancy as their next manager, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Nancy, aged 48, has been in discussions with Celtic for a few weeks, but the Scottish champions have not yet made formal contact with the Crew. This development comes amid reports from both countries, which are “working towards a final agreement for Wilfried to become Scotland’s first minister,” as stated by insiders.
Negotiations are also ongoing about which members of Nancy’s coaching staff would accompany him to Glasgow.
Celtic has been without a permanent coach since Brendan Rodgers stepped down on October 27 following a challenging start to the season, and Martin O’Neill briefly managed the team in the interim.
The Crew has been negotiating with Nancy over an extension for his contract, which is currently set to run until 2026, making him the highest-paid manager in MLS. However, Nancy has expressed his desire not to sign a long-term deal, indicating his intention to seek opportunities abroad.
If the arrangement with Celtic comes to fruition, Nancy will finish a very successful tenure in Columbus, highlighted by wins in the MLS Cup in 2023 and the Leagues Cup in 2024.
After the latter victory, he was awarded the MLS Coach of the Year title.
Along with this recognition, Nancy has been commended for implementing an attractive possession-based style of play in a team that currently ranks just outside the top third in player salary expenditure for 2025.
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Nancy also enjoyed a successful period as head coach of CF Montreal from 2021 to 2022, during which he led the team to victory in the 2021 Canadian Championship.
He assumed this role after Thierry Henry’s unexpected resignation and had been with Montreal for a decade, serving in various capacities until leaving in December 2022 due to differences with owner Joey Saputo.
In terms of his playing career, Nancy had a modest start with Toulon in the fourth division and went on to play for several lower-league teams including Beaucairois, Laon L’Etape, Ivry, Noisy-le-Sec, Châtellerault, and Orléans.
This potential hiring of Wilfried Nancy is significant for soccer fans, as it showcases a growing trend of MLS coaches making the leap to major European leagues. If he succeeds at Celtic, it could pave the way for further opportunities for American coaches abroad, enhancing the global recognition of U.S. soccer talent.
