Celtic FC has opened formal discussions with Wilfried Nancy, with Columbus Crew allegedly granting permission for direct talks this weekend. While a deal is far from finalized, momentum has clearly shifted in favor of the French-born manager emerging as a leading candidate.
Nancy enters this moment of speculation only weeks after Columbus’s frustrating postseason exit. The Crew won their best-of-three series against FC Cincinnati on the basis of overall goal differential, yet were eliminated due to the format’s game-based criteria — a scenario that sparked league-wide debate about clarity and competitive logic.
The dismissal drew criticism from analysts and supporters, and added an unexpected footnote to an otherwise strong season under Nancy.
The early exit didn’t create tension inside the club. Still, it did intensify outside questions about whether a coach of his profile might eventually look abroad for a league with clearer competitive structures.
"Well done Cincinnati 👏 ... but ... We won 5-3, and we are out (of the playoffs) 🤷 "
— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) November 14, 2025
Another example of Columbus Crew coach Wilfried Nancy expressing his frustration with the MLS playoff format... Specifically the lack of aggregate scoring in the first round series.#MLS… pic.twitter.com/5hUnRgnOK0
Those involved in the process emphasize that conversations are still in an exploratory stage. Compensation, staffing, family considerations, and Celtic’s internal review remain outstanding. But the Scottish club’s interest is real — and increasingly public — placing Nancy among the most prominent names on the shortlist.
Why Celtic Is Looking at Nancy — and What It Would Mean for MLS
Nancy, 48, has become one of the defining coaches of MLS’s modern era. His Columbus teams are known for precision in buildup, flexible pressing structures, and a clear tactical identity — qualities that translate well in Europe.
His résumé is already elite by MLS standards:
- MLS Cup champion (2023)
- Leagues Cup champion (2024)
- MLS Coach of the Year (2024)
Celtic views him as a progressive thinker who can innovate within tight budgets — a crucial requirement after Brendan Rodgers’ resignation earlier this season.
But the deeper storyline is this:
If Celtic sees Nancy as a top-tier coaching mind, why weren’t MLS’s biggest clubs positioning themselves sooner?
LAFC, Seattle, Toronto, and Inter Miami all underwent technical resets in the past two seasons. None made a serious attempt to bring in Nancy. Now Europe is making the first move — and MLS is reacting instead of leading.
Timeline of How the Situation Escalated — Without Becoming Inevitable
|
Date |
Key Moment |
|---|---|
|
Nov 7 |
Early X chatter after Crew were eliminated; odds open at 12/1 |
|
Nov 11 |
Nancy becomes betting favorite (13/8); discussions intensify online |
|
Nov 12 |
Initial contact between Celtic and Crew sources reported |
|
Nov 13 |
Nancy avoids confirming interest; Crew front office gives guarded statements |
|
Nov 14 |
Columbus alledgedly grants permission for talks — not an agreement, but a meaningful step |
Nothing is signed. Nothing is agreed. But the window is open, and Celtic is pushing.
The Stakes for MLS — Even If the Move Doesn’t Happen
Whether Nancy ultimately chooses to leave or stay, the mere fact that he is a serious candidate for a European giant is a watershed moment for MLS managers.
It shows that MLS coaching ideas are finally resonating abroad — but also highlights the league’s vulnerability. MLS has cultivated high-level tactical talent, yet often fails to retain it.
If Europe can spot an elite MLS coach faster than LAFC, Miami, or Galaxy…
What does that say about MLS’s internal ambition?
The question becomes sharper with Nancy because he fits the exact profile MLS clubs claim to desire: modern, analytical, adaptable, and proven under league constraints.
If he stays, MLS gets a reprieve.
If he leaves, the league must confront why it never fought to keep him.
What Comes Next.
- Nancy and Celtic will meet this weekend for exploratory talks.
- A compensation framework will be discussed; however, no guarantees are provided.
- Celtic continues to evaluate alternatives, including Kjetil Knutsen and Kieran McKenna.
- Columbus maintains that Nancy remains under contract and has not made a decision.
