Wilfried Nancy appears to be closing in on the Celtic managerial job, with the Frenchman moving a step closer to replacing Brendan Rodgers as talks progress. The Columbus Crew boss is highly regarded by those inside Parkhead, and the club seem confident he can operate successfully within their structure while embracing their transfer model.
If, as expected, Nancy takes the reins, he will inherit the same challenge Rodgers faced—strengthening the squad in January. Celtic are dealing with a lengthy injury list, with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jota, Marcelo Saracchi, and Alistair Johnston all long-term absentees. Recent knocks to forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Callum Osmand have only added to the club’s problems. Head of Football Operations Paul Tisdale has been a major advocate for Nancy, and he will be tasked with supporting Dermot Desmond’s preferred candidate in rebuilding the team for the second half of the season.
One player who could feature prominently on Nancy’s wishlist is Diego Rossi, the Columbus Crew star who has flourished under his management. After a difficult two-year spell at Fenerbahce, Rossi returned to MLS in 2023 with LAFC before joining Columbus, where Nancy helped revive his career. The Uruguayan forward became the Crew’s talisman, scoring 16 goals and adding four assists before their playoff elimination. Rossi himself has hinted that he may be ready for another move back to Europe, suggesting last summer that this season could be his final one in the United States.
Rossi has spoken glowingly about Nancy’s methods, saying:
“The team has really adapted to Wilfried Nancy’s style. We all understand his way of playing. We work hard every day, and Nancy has been able to bring the best out of us.”
Nancy has been similarly complimentary, praising Rossi for having “the best work ethic in the team.” Ahead of a clash with New York City FC, Nancy highlighted Rossi’s development:
“I’m very happy for Diego. He struggled a bit with finishing, but he works extremely hard and understands exactly what I want in attack. It’s a cycle; he is capable of scoring all kinds of goals.”
Rossi is under contract until 2027, meaning Columbus may resist any attempts to sign him. However, given the strong relationship between player and manager—and Celtic’s urgent need for forward reinforcements—the link makes sense. Nancy’s potential arrival in Glasgow could be the catalyst for a move, especially as Celtic seek attacking quality to bolster their title push.
Leave a Reply