Right now there is no confirmed “new” long‑term Celtic manager beyond Martin O’Neill’s interim spell , so any specific name for next season is still speculation rather than fact.

What is confirmed so far?

  • Celtic have sacked Wilfried Nancy after a disastrous run of six defeats in eight games in late 2025.
  • Martin O’Neill has been brought back and officially appointed as manager until the end of the current season , having already impressed during his earlier caretaker stint after Brendan Rodgers left.
  • The club’s public line is focused on stabilising results for this season under O’Neill, with no formal announcement yet on a permanent successor beyond that timeframe.

Speculation and favourites

Supporters, pundits and betting markets are already treating “who will be the new Celtic manager” as a live talking point for 2026–27 and beyond.

Common speculative themes include:

  • Experienced international coaches : Names like Roberto Martínez have been mentioned as leading betting favourites for a future permanent role, reflecting a desire for a high‑profile, modern coach with European pedigree.
  • Progressive, attacking managers : After Ange Postecoglou and the (short) Nancy experiment, many fans argue the club will again look for a coach known for aggressive, possession‑based football and strong player development.
  • Known “Celtic types” : There is recurring fan chatter about former players or managers with an emotional link to the club, but this is mostly nostalgia‑driven forum talk rather than evidence of real negotiations.

None of these names or profiles has been confirmed by Celtic, and internal board deliberations have not been made public.

What could influence the final choice?

Several factors are likely to shape who becomes the new permanent Celtic manager once O’Neill’s interim stint ends:

  • O’Neill’s performance this season
    • If Celtic close the gap in the title race, perform well in cups and steady the squad, there will be increasing pressure to either keep him on or find someone clearly “better” and more long‑term.
  • European ambitions
    • The board has been criticised for repeated underperformance in Europe, and many commentators think this search will prioritise a coach proven in continental competitions or at least in tactically demanding leagues.
  • Budget and structure
    • The role of a head of football / recruitment structure, which was prominent in Nancy’s appointment, will impact the type of coach attracted and how much control they have over transfers and style.
  • Fan sentiment and media pressure
    • The Nancy episode, plus protests after poor results and a high‑intensity Glasgow media environment, make it more likely Celtic look for someone who can handle intense scrutiny as well as deliver results.

So, who will it actually be?

At this point:

  • The only firm fact : Martin O’Neill is manager until the end of the current season, nothing more.
  • No official successor named : Celtic have not announced a pre‑contract, shortlist, or planned successor publicly. Any specific name you see is bookmaker or forum speculation , not confirmed news.
  • Best way to track it : Watch for official statements on Celtic’s website and major outlets (BBC Sport, Sky Sports) rather than relying solely on rumours or shifting betting odds.

Until the club makes an announcement, the honest answer to “who will be the new Celtic manager?” is: no one knows for sure yet, beyond O’Neill’s interim spell.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.