Romano Drops New 10-Word Bombshell as Celtic Enter Final Phase of Manager Talks With Board Under Growing Pressure, Fans Demanding Answers and Timeline Now Critical Ahead of Cup Final
Romano Drops New 10-Word Bombshell as Celtic Enter Final Phase of Manager Talks With Board Under Growing Pressure, Fans Demanding Answers and Timeline Now Critical Ahead of Cup Final
Celtic have entered the decisive phase of negotiations for their next permanent manager and Fabrizio Romano has now issued a fresh 10-word update that confirms that the club’s number one contender remains firmly in pole position as talks intensify.
It has been nearly three weeks since Brendan Rodgers departed, and while results under interim boss Martin O’Neill have steadied immediate fears, the view inside Celtic Park is clear: the club cannot continue in caretaker mode, and major decisions must now be finalised.
The Parkhead hierarchy have known their preferred candidate from the beginning and despite speculation and fan debate, that has not changed. Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy remains the one they want, and the one they are negotiating with.
Romano’s latest update short, measured, and precise confirms exactly that:
“Talks ongoing, he remains priority for Celtic job no change.”
Fabrizio Romano, speaking to GiveMeSport
The message is simple: Celtic have not switched targets, they have not panicked, and the appointment is moving forward in line with private expectations.
With the international break over and club season resuming, that clarity is now essential.
The Stakes Could Not Be Higher
Celtic are not just replacing a manager. They are replacing the man who led them to titles but lost the trust of a large portion of the support. They are replacing a system that no longer fit the squad. And they are doing it with a cup final and a tightening title race rapidly approaching.
Rodgers’ exit didn’t just leave a vacancy it reopened a football identity crisis.
Do Celtic return to the fast, aggressive, high-intensity football of the Ange Postecoglou era? Or try to resurrect the structured pragmatism that Rodgers attempted before things collapsed?
In Wilfried Nancy, they have identified a manager who sits firmly in the modern, possession-based, progressive category. That is not coincidence – it is intentional. Celtic want to get back to football with identity.
Nancy’s Columbus Crew team have been praised extensively for their organisation, their attacking rotations, and their emphasis on ball retention under pressure. His 2023 MLS Cup triumph was not based on luck it came from structure.
That structure is precisely what Celtic want.
O’Neill Has Been Valuable But He Was Never the Plan
Martin O’Neill has done a remarkable job stabilising the club during a turbulent moment. His win over Rangers in the League Cup semi-final bought the board time. His handling of players, media and pressure has been classic O’Neill: calm, authoritative, assured.
But O’Neill is not the long-term answer and importantly, doesn’t want to be. He is 73 years old and has been clear since day one that he is only here to guide Celtic through a transition.
Publicly and privately, O’Neill has supported the club in moving forward with new leadership.
Why No Announcement Yet?
Despite pressure from fans and media to confirm the appointment, there have been good reasons for the delay.
Talks with Nancy involve compensation with Columbus Crew, agreement on staff, sporting structure and his role in January recruitment. Celtic are also navigating visa and logistical considerations, which mean the timing of the announcement could come down to paperwork rather than negotiations.
The club do not want to appoint a manager, only to delay his arrival. They want to confirm him and have clarity on when he will step into the dugout.
That is why the fixture against St Mirren this weekend is still expected to be led by O’Neill, even if a deal is sealed before kickoff.
The Cup Final Deadline
The real internal deadline is not Saturday. It is the League Cup final also against St Mirren in December.
Celtic want their new manager in place and operational by then, and the belief inside the club is that they are on track to achieve that.
Nancy’s camp are said to be keen, Celtic have made him their priority, and Romano’s update confirms that the process remains intact.
What Happens Once He Arrives?
His appointment would immediately trigger:
Tactical restructuring
Squad evaluation
January transfer planning
Sporting director alignment
Potential reshuffling of coaching and analysis staff
Celtic want not just a coach, but a leader who can align the football department. That is why this process has been thorough and deliberate rather than rushed.
Final Stage No More Room for Error
Celtic’s board have taken heavy criticism for their role in the club’s recent direction. Rodgers’ exit divided fans. Transfer windows have been questioned. The team’s European campaign has been labelled flat and uninspired.
This appointment is their reset moment.
Romano’s latest update sends a clear signal that the club are on the brink:
Talks ongoing. Priority remains the priority. No change.
If all goes to plan, Celtic’s next manager could be announced in days rather than weeks and the era of the interim will come to an end.
For now, the message is simple:
The deal is close but the final step will define everything.
