Celtic are not planning to appoint Jose Mourinho as their next permanent manager as they continue their search for a long-term successor to interim boss Martin O’Neill.
Despite speculation linking Mourinho with a potential move to Parkhead this summer, the Scottish champions are not currently considering the Portuguese coach as part of their succession plans. O’Neill, who has stepped in twice this season following the departures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, remains in charge until the end of the campaign.
The 73-year-old has steadied the ship during a turbulent season, with Celtic locked in a tight Premiership title race alongside Hearts and Rangers. However, the club hierarchy are already looking ahead to the summer when they intend to appoint a permanent manager to lead the next phase of the project.
Although Mourinho’s name has surfaced in connection with the vacancy, sources indicate that he is not on Celtic’s shortlist. The former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United manager is currently at Benfica, having returned to the Portuguese giants last September, 25 years after his initial spell with the club.
Speaking recently on the Transfer Insider podcast, it was suggested that while Mourinho would represent a headline-grabbing and high-profile appointment, the financial demands involved would make such a move unrealistic. Celtic are believed to be focused on securing a manager who aligns with their long-term strategy rather than pursuing a marquee name at significant expense.
Attention has instead turned to other candidates. Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez has emerged as the bookmakers’ favourite to take over once O’Neill steps aside. Meanwhile, O’Neill himself, despite signalling his intention to depart in the summer, remains among the frontrunners in the betting markets.
Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou, who has impressed by guiding his side into the upper reaches of the Premiership table, is also considered an outside contender. Other names reportedly in the frame include Steve Clarke, Shaun Maloney, Robbie Keane, and former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou.
For now, though, any talk of Mourinho heading to Parkhead appears wide of the mark. Celtic’s focus remains on securing domestic success this season before finalising plans for a new permanent manager ahead of the next campaign.
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