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News
- 7 hours ago
Celtic ready to agree deal for FIRST January signing
Cameron Smith
- 17 Nov 2025 09:10 GMT
- 6 min read
News
Celtic have identified Columbus Crew star Diego Rossi as a key target ahead of the January transfer window as they edge closer to the appointment of Wilfried Nancy.
The Scottish giants have earmarked Nancy as their priority permanent replacement for the departed Brendan Rodgers and he has been widely tipped to become the club’s next manager amid advanced negotiations.
Current ETV
Diego Rossi
AM (C)
Columbus
Diego Rossi
AM (C)
Columbus
ETV Range
€6.5M - €8.8M
The 48-year-old has enjoyed a successful stint as Columbus Crew boss and he remains the current favourite to become the new head coach at Celtic Park.
Furthermore, if the Bhoys are able to finalise a deal to bring Nancy to the club, they are set to target the aforementioned Rossi in January, as per The Daily Record.
The seven-time Uruguay international has emerged as a key player under Nancy’s management in the MLS, notching 19 goals and providing five assists in 37 appearances across all competitions this year.
Rossi, who is a versatile attacker but most frequently plays in a No.10 role, played 90 times for Fenerbahce before his move to Columbus Crew in 2023 and Celtic are eager to bring him to Scotland if they are able to appoint Nancy as their new boss.
The 27-year-old’s current contract at Columbus Crew is due to expire at the end of December 2026, but he could be set to return to Europe when the January transfer window opens.
Martin O’Neill comments on Celtic future
While Celtic are already preparing Nancy’s first signing, they are yet to agree a deal with the Frenchman and interim boss Martin O’Neill could therefore be set for an extended period in the dugout.
However, when asked if he will be in charge for Celtic’s first game after the November international break against St Mirren on Saturday, he told reporters: “The short and honest answer is I genuinely do not know.
“I am not party to anything that is happening with the board talking to prospective clients and things like this, nor do I want to be because that’s never been a remit of mine.
“The gentlemen involved can very easily make up their own minds about people without me interfering in any aspect. I said that I would do it until they found that replacement.
“And is that possible for next week? I genuinely do not know. My job was to come in and hold the fort, and the minute that someone is appointed, I will step aside.
“And if it was tomorrow, I would gladly step aside. It’s not a problem. It’s nothing to do with any sort of ego or anything like that. It’s just to help out in the very, very short term.”
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