NafisaCeltic could be preparing for another major managerial decision, with fresh reports suggesting that David Moyes has emerged as a potential candidate to replace Martin O’Neill at Parkhead.
The experienced Everton boss is reportedly being discussed as a possible option for next season, raising fresh questions about the future direction of the Scottish champions.
O’Neill returned to Celtic for two interim spells last season before accepting a permanent one-year contract, but his current campaign has been far from straightforward. Defeats against Rangers and Ferencvaros, followed by disappointing European results against Benfica and Celta Vigo, have intensified scrutiny of his position.
Although Celtic have responded with league victories over Motherwell and Hearts, uncertainty surrounding O’Neill’s long-term future has continued. Now, with Moyes reportedly entering the conversation, the possibility of a change in the Parkhead dugout is becoming another major talking point among supporters.
David Moyes emerges as a potential Celtic target
According to Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke, speculation linking Moyes with Celtic has continued, particularly with the Scot approaching a potentially important point in his Everton contract situation.
Speaking on the Football Insider podcast, O’Rourke said:
“There’s been talk of David Moyes as well if he becomes a free agent next summer, and those whispers aren’t dying down.
“Could he be somebody who could step in and replace Martin O’Neill when he leaves Celtic? He’s a very experienced manager and somebody who has got links with Celtic as well.
“He might be one that the club could look at to come in and be a steady pair of hands just to take over the club.
“A lot will depend on what happens with his contract situation at Everton and whether they can reach an agreement with him there.
“We’ll wait and see if they do go down the route of looking for a long-term replacement for Martin O’Neill, and which other managers they could be targeting as well.”
The comments suggest Moyes could be considered if Celtic decide to pursue a permanent managerial appointment for next season. However, there is no confirmation that the club have made a formal approach or that an agreement is close.
His potential availability will depend heavily on what happens at Everton, where his contractual future remains an important factor in the speculation.
Why Moyes could appeal to Celtic
Moyes would bring extensive Premier League experience to Parkhead, having managed Everton, Manchester United, West Ham and other clubs during a lengthy career in football.
His time at West Ham was particularly notable. He helped the London club win the Europa Conference League in 2023, delivering their first major European trophy in decades.
His return to Everton in January 2025 also placed him back in familiar surroundings, with the manager tasked with improving the club’s fortunes after Sean Dyche’s departure.
For Celtic, the attraction would be his experience of managing at the highest level and his record of building competitive teams. The club would also need to consider whether his methods, recruitment preferences and approach to European competition align with their long-term ambitions.
Former Everton player Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has described Moyes as ‘relentless’, a word that reflects the reputation for hard work and persistence associated with the Scottish manager.
Celtic supporters have endured a frustrating European campaign, with defeats against Ferencvaros, Benfica and Celta Vigo raising questions about the team’s ability to compete consistently against continental opposition.
A potential appointment would therefore be judged not only on domestic results but also on whether Celtic could make progress in Europe.
Martin O’Neill faces growing uncertainty
O’Neill’s position has remained a talking point following Celtic’s mixed results this season.
The experienced manager guided the club through two interim spells last season and helped secure a fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title before agreeing to take charge permanently on a one-year deal.
However, this campaign has brought significant challenges. Two defeats against Rangers and a European loss to Ferencvaros intensified speculation about his future during the international break.
Celtic subsequently returned to winning ways domestically against Motherwell and Hearts, but their European defeats against Benfica and Celta Vigo have ensured that questions about the manager’s long-term future have not disappeared.
The situation leaves the club facing an important decision about succession planning, even if O’Neill remains in charge for the rest of the season.
Robbie Keane and Kieran McKenna have also been mentioned in previous discussions about possible managerial candidates, while Moyes now represents another experienced name reportedly under consideration.
At this stage, however, the reported interest should not be confused with a confirmed recruitment process or an agreement with any prospective replacement.
Everton contract situation could decide everything
Moyes’ future at Everton is central to the speculation.
According to the report, he is approaching the final year of his contract, with no renewal agreement reported at the time of publication. Uncertainty surrounding the club’s ownership situation has also added another layer to the discussion.
If Moyes becomes available next summer, Celtic could have an opportunity to explore whether he is interested in taking charge at Parkhead.
If Everton offer him a new contract and he agrees to remain on Merseyside, that possibility could disappear before Celtic make any decision.
Much will therefore depend on developments over the coming months, rather than the current speculation alone.
Celtic’s next managerial chapter remains uncertain
Celtic must now balance their immediate ambitions with the question of who should lead the club beyond the current campaign.
O’Neill has experience of delivering domestic success at Parkhead, but the recent European results have increased the scrutiny surrounding his methods and the team’s performances.
Moyes would offer a different profile, bringing years of experience in English football and a major European trophy from his time at West Ham. Yet no appointment is guaranteed, and Celtic have not confirmed that he is their preferred candidate.
For now, the reports from Football Insider have placed Moyes firmly into the conversation surrounding Celtic’s next managerial appointment.
Whether that speculation develops into something more concrete will depend on Everton’s contract discussions, Celtic’s own plans and the outcome of O’Neill’s remaining time in charge.
One thing is clear: with questions surrounding the manager’s future continuing into the season, the search for Celtic’s next long-term leader is becoming an increasingly important story at Parkhead.
Nafisa
