By Jordan Whiting

After a few weeks of speculation of who would become Celtic’s next permanent manager, there is one name that is now the standout. Columbus Crew’s Wilfried Nancy.

So, who is the relatively young and unheard-of Frenchman? And why is he the most prominent name in the conversation of who will replace Brendan Rodgers?

One of the most notable things about Nancy – other than his style of football – is how quickly he has risen to the position he is in now. The 48-year-old got his first managerial job in 2021, when he took over from his former companion Thierry Henry at CF Montreal. Impressive for a man who just a few years prior to this was coaching a local under-14 girls football team.

Born in Le Havre in 1977, Nancy has already become a trailblazer in America. He became the first black manager to win an MLS league title in 2023 and added the Leagues Cup to his list of honours in 2024. After beating Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami on route to cup glory.

Wilfried Nancy celebrates in an MLS Play-off tie via Getty Images

His track record of silverware and quick rise to prominence most likely aspects that would have caught the eye of Dermot Desmond during the search for the next Celtic manager.

The similarities to Ange Postecoglou are striking. Not only in the fact that he is almost completely unknown in Scotland, but the style of play is almost identical to the Aussie.

Nancy’s goalkeepers play high off their line and are channelled to be good with their feet. The centre-backs also must be good at distributing the ball towards the attackers, and much like Postecoglou he loves to turn his full backs into attackers who provide various goal contributions.

An instant impact is what Celtic would be aiming for. Across the city at Ibrox, Rangers have displayed how quickly things can turn sour should a manager not get off to a good start. This is not seen as an issue for Nancy; he has made an instant impact and cultural change at both clubs he has managed.

Wilfried Nancy holds the Philip F. Anschutz trophy in December 2023 via Getty Images

When he took over at Montreal, the club were in turmoil after the hectic reign of Thierry Henry. Nancy managed to settle things and steady the ship. It was different at Columbus Crew. They are a team who had tasted success previously and needed someone to come in and get them winning trophies again, Nancy delivered.

Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney are doing a brilliant job at Celtic, and many fans have voiced the opinion that the pair deserve to take charge of the League Cup final. However, the Frenchman is available now due to the MLS season being over. With Nancy having many suitors, Celtic may have to act swiftly.

It is important to remember that this deal is not confirmed, but the bookmaker’s odds show that Nancy is the top target for the Hoops. The fans, as ever will back the new manager from the start and hope he will bring more success to Parkhead, whoever it may be.

Wilfried Nancy: The man tipped to be the next Celtic manager