Celtic FC Contacts Columbus Crew for Wilfried Nancy
Celtic FC has formalized an approach to Columbus Crew, showing interest in Wilfried Nancy as their possible next coach. A source close to the situation confirmed the news, indicating that the conversations between both parties are aimed at finalizing the transfer of the coach to the Scottish Premiership.
According to reports, negotiations between Nancy and Celtic have been ongoing for weeks. Now, the Scottish club has taken a decisive step by contacting the Crew. The final details of the agreement are being discussed, including the possible incorporation of Nancy staff members into the technical team in Glasgow.Wilfried Nancy joined the Columbus Crew in 2022.The Celtic are looking for a permanent coach since Brendan Rodgers left on October 27th. Since then, Martin O’Neill has been in charge of the team on an interim basis.
The Columbus Crew attempted to extend Nancy’s contract, which currently ends in 2026, offering him to be the highest-paid coach in MLS. However, Nancy rejected the proposal, expressing his desire not to sign a long-term contract and his ambition to coach abroad.
If the agreement is finalized, Nancy would close his successful three-year stage in Columbus, where he won the MLS Cup in 2023 and the Leagues Cup in 2024. After this last achievement, he was recognized as the MLS Coach of the Year.
Nancy was praised for his attractive playing style, based on ball possession, with a team that, in 2025, was in the middle of the table in terms of player salary spending.
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Previously, Nancy had a successful stint as coach of CF Montréal, where she won the Canadian Championship in 2021.
Nancy took over after Thierry Henry’s sudden resignation. Prior to this appointment, Nancy spent 10 years in Montreal, coaching in their academy and then joining the first team as an assistant in 2016. He left Montreal in December 2022 after a disagreement with owner Joey Saputo.
Nancy had a modest playing career, starting at fourth-division Toulon and then going through other lower-league teams.
