NafisaCeltic could be preparing for another major change behind the scenes, with fresh claims suggesting the club are already discussing who should take charge when Martin O’Neill eventually walks away from the managerial position.
Despite recent signs of improvement domestically, the Hoops have endured a difficult period that has raised serious questions about the direction of the club. Their disappointing European campaign has only added to the pressure, leaving supporters wondering whether the current manager can restore Celtic to the level expected of them.
Thursday night’s defeat at Celtic Park has now brought the situation into sharper focus. While O’Neill has insisted that his players are giving everything they can, the results in Europe have been difficult to ignore, and the club may already be looking towards the next chapter.
The latest development, however, does not necessarily mean an immediate managerial change is coming. Instead, a former Manchester United chief scout believes Celtic are taking steps to avoid being caught unprepared when the time eventually comes for O’Neill to leave.
Celtic already discussing O’Neill’s successor behind the scenes
According to Football FanCast, former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown believes Celtic are considering their options ahead of an expected managerial change next summer.
Brown believes O’Neill is likely to remain in charge until the end of the current campaign, despite the difficult results that have placed him under pressure in recent weeks.
Speaking to Football Insider, he explained:
“I wouldn’t expect O’Neill to leave Celtic between now and the end of the season,” Brown explained.
“It seemed like a possibility for a while, but they’ve moved past that, they’ve returned to their top form and they’re still on course to do well in the league this season.
“But I don’t think there’s any chance he could stay longer than what’s currently planned, I think he’s ready to leave Celtic at the end of the season regardless of what happens.”
Brown’s assessment suggests that Celtic’s immediate priority may be maintaining domestic progress rather than making another change in the dugout.
However, the prospect of O’Neill leaving at the end of the season means the club cannot afford to wait until the summer before beginning to consider potential replacements.
Brown believes those discussions are already taking place, with Celtic keen to identify the right candidate before the current manager’s departure becomes official.
He added:
“They’ll be looking at different options behind the scenes and holding talks about who might be the best candidate, even if nothing is going to be advanced yet.
“They’ll want to have a succession plan in place, because otherwise we’ll get to the summer and they’ll start scrambling to see who might be available.”
There has been no confirmation from Celtic that a final decision has been made or that an appointment is imminent. Brown’s comments point towards preparations for a potential summer transition rather than evidence of an immediate managerial announcement.
European crisis puts renewed pressure on Martin O’Neill
The latest speculation comes after another disappointing night for Celtic in Europe.
O’Neill’s side suffered a 2-1 defeat against Celta Vigo at Celtic Park, leaving them without a point from their opening three Europa League matches.
Celtic initially appeared capable of turning their fortunes around when Mika Baur put them ahead shortly after half-time. However, Javi Rodriguez struck twice in quick succession to turn the contest around and leave the hosts facing another damaging result.
The defeat followed a difficult run that included consecutive Old Firm losses against Rangers, prompting questions about O’Neill’s position.
The veteran manager has since overseen signs of improvement domestically, most notably Celtic’s emphatic 7-1 victory over Hearts, which helped restore some confidence around Parkhead.
That result has complicated the picture. While Celtic have struggled in Europe, their domestic performances have given the manager reasons to believe the team can still enjoy a successful season.
O’Neill also defended his players’ commitment following the Celta Vigo defeat, insisting that their effort was not the problem.
“Honestly, I cannot fault the effort,” O’Neill said. “We put everything into it. It’s been a tough old week for us in many aspects.
“We’ve travelled back from Portugal. We’ve put on a really brilliant performance on Sunday. That gave us the confidence to go on today.”
His comments suggest he remains focused on getting the best out of the squad, even as speculation about his long-term future continues.
Robbie Keane, Sean Dyche and David Moyes among the names linked
Several managers have already been linked with the possibility of taking over at Celtic, although none has been confirmed as the club’s preferred candidate.
Robbie Keane, Sean Dyche and David Moyes are among the names mentioned in reports, while former Celtic manager Neil Lennon has also been discussed as a possible option.
Keane could be particularly interesting because he was reportedly interviewed by Celtic during the summer before the club opted to retain O’Neill.
That previous involvement could make him a name to watch if the vacancy becomes available, but there is no confirmation that Celtic have selected him or opened formal negotiations over the job.
Moyes brings considerable managerial experience, while Dyche has built a reputation for organising teams and working in demanding English football environments. Lennon, meanwhile, already knows the club and the expectations that come with managing Celtic.
Ultimately, the decision will depend on what the club want from their next manager and which candidates are available when the position opens.
For now, the names remain possibilities rather than confirmed targets.
Cameron Carter-Vickers adds to Celtic’s summer uncertainty
The managerial situation is not the only issue that could make next summer significant for Celtic.
The club could also face questions over the future of influential defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, who has established himself as a key figure since joining from Tottenham.
Recent reports suggest the United States international could consider a return to the Premier League if an opportunity arises at the end of the season.
However, he is reportedly happy at Celtic and is not expected to leave during the January window. His contract runs until 2029, giving the Scottish club a strong negotiating position should genuine interest emerge.
The possibility of changes in both the dugout and the playing squad means Celtic could face an important period of transition next summer.
For O’Neill, the immediate task remains clear: improve Celtic’s European results while maintaining their domestic momentum. For the club’s hierarchy, Brown’s comments suggest that planning for the future may already be underway.
Whether Celtic ultimately appoint Keane, Dyche, Moyes, Lennon or someone else remains unknown. But if O’Neill does leave as expected, the club will want to ensure that his successor is identified well before the new season begins.
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