(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Mon 18 May 2026 18:15, UK

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Celtic are well-placed to lure Roberto Martinez to Glasgow after the World Cup after they pipped Hearts to the Scottish Premiership title.

A 3-1 win against their title rivals on the final day of the season has now placed the Hoops in a strong position to follow up on their ambitious plans for the future.

The Portugal boss is seen as a leading target to replace Martin O’Neill this summer and qualification for the Champions League means they are now in a strong position.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Martinez could be tempted to take over at Celtic with the promise of some “top-class” signings.

While he was initially seen as an ambitious target, there is now a growing feeling he could become the next Celtic manager if he leaves Portugal after the World Cup.

Could Celtic make a move for Roberto Martinez?

Football Insider revealed last month that Celtic will explore a deal for Martinez and are prepared to wait until Portugal bow out of the World Cup to make a move.

They have previously been keen to do a deal before the tournament ends but are prepared to wait for the right candidate if they believe they can get a deal done.

While a lot will depend on the manager’s willingness to return to club management, Celtic feel they are now well-placed to convince him after winning the title.

“Roberto Martinez could be a good option for Celtic,” Brown told Football Insider.

“If he’s going to be leaving Portugal after the World Cup, it’s about whether he wants to get back into management at club level, or if he wants to take a break.

“Now that Celtic have won the league, they’re in a good position when it comes to convincing people to come in, and they’ll be in the Champions League next season too.

“So they can offer a good deal to him, maybe bring in a couple of top-class players alongside him and that could convince him to take the job.

“Celtic now have to be ambitious, even though they won the league they have to know this season wasn’t good enough and they need to improve.

“A top new manager and some top new players should be the first steps towards that.”

How does Martinez feel about taking the Celtic job?

Martinez has long been high on Celtic’s list of managerial targets, but there is still uncertainty about whether he would take on the role at Parkhead.

His contract with Portugal is set to expire after the World Cup, at which point he would be available to return to management, but he could also take a break.

Football Insider revealed last month that Celtic must make big promises to convince Martinez back into club management, with doubts ongoing about his future.

A sizeable contract offer and backing in the transfer market will likely be the bare minimum as they must match the manager’s ambitions to tempt him in.

Having qualified for the Champions League, an ambitious managerial appointment could continue Celtic’s upwards trajectory, but they must get their decision right.