Ex-Premier League manager now big favourite to be Celtic’s manager for 2026-27 as odds slashed
Celtic are currently making plans ahead of the summer when they will need to appoint a new permanent manager.
Martin O’Neill returned to Celtic last week and will remain in interim charge until the end of the season, but he is unlikely to stay on past that.
The Northern Irishman has already led the Bhoys after two managerial departures this season, with the second now being the exit of Wilfried Nancy.
Nancy was dismissed by Celtic just 33 days after his arrival, the Frenchman having lost five of his seven games in charge.
Roy Keane has been linked with the Celtic job, as have Robbie Keane and current interim Manchester United manager Darren Fletcher.
Roberto Martinez leads Celtic race as odds slashed
Roberto Martinez has emerged as a strong contender for the Celtic job, with the 52-year-old potentially considering a return to club management.
The Spaniard is currently overseeing the Portugal international team, with whom he won the 2024-25 Nations League.
Martinez has not managed a club since 2016, when he was appointed by Belgium after he was sacked by Everton.
| Roberto Martinez | Everton |
| Wins | 62 |
| Draws | 37 |
| Losses | 44 |
| Scored | 239 |
| Conceded | 192 |
The former Swansea City midfielder began his managerial career with the Swans, and would go on to manage Wigan Athletic between 2009 and 2013.
It was there that he enjoyed one of the most iconic moments in FA Cup history, when Ben Watson’s late header saw Wigan beat Manchester City at Wembley to lift the iconic trophy.
Although Martinez would not be there to see it, the Latics would, incredibly, play in the Europa League in the following season despite having been relegated to the Championship.
The Spaniard was appointed by Everton in 2013, and would spend almost three years there.
Martinez’s odds of taking over ahead of Celtic‘s 2026-27 season opener have been slashed to 5/4 by one major bookmaker in recent hours, ahead of O’Neill (6/4) and Shaun Maloney (8/1).
Martinez appointment may be meant to be after what he revealed
It is unclear whether Martinez would return to club management, considering the reputation he has built up at the international stage, but, if so, Celtic could well be the club to convince him.
Back in 2018, the Spaniard revealed that he had been in contention for the job previously.
“I had conversations and I was always very impressed with the need to bring silverware,” he said.
“There was also the prospect of getting to the Champions League through the qualifying rounds, and it was always a club that people are attracted to because of the intensity of the fans and what it means.
“But at the time I had to go back to where I started my career in the UK, and where I started my coaching career, at Wigan.”
“The opportunity of having conversations with Celtic is something that fills you with pride,” Martinez added.
“It is a club with great tradition and a club that demands qualification in the Champions League. You can appreciate the status of the football club.”