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Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Tue 28 April 2026 7:00, UK

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Shaun Maloney has his eyes on a move upstairs to take on the director of football role at Celtic at the end of the season, sources have told Football Insider.

The Bhoys’ assistant manager has briefly been linked with the permanent managerial job in recent weeks, but it is understood that he has no interest in taking on the top job at Parkhead.

Instead, the 43-year-old has got his eyes on his eyes on the vacant director of football role, with sources indicating that he is keen to take charge of the recruitment for the Glasgow giants.

Maloney has worked directly alongside Martin O’Neill in both of his interim spells in charge of the team this term, and has also served as the head of player pathways.

Celtic’s search for a new manager is still ongoing, and their appointment of a new boss could come alongside a switch for Maloney as part of an overhaul of the footballing side of the club.

Shaun Maloney’s Celtic knowledge seen as crucial

Celtic have been reviewing their structure behind the scenes in the aftermath of Wilfried Nancy’s exit back in January, and that could open the door for Maloney this summer.

Head of Football Operations Paul Tisdale also departed when Nancy was sacked, and the role to oversee the footballing and recruitment side of the club has been vacant since.

However, that could change this summer if Maloney gets his wish and is able to move up into a wider role at Celtic.

The former midfielder knows the Bhoys inside out, having previously spent 10 years there across two spells during his playing career, and his knowledge of the club is a big plus point for him.

He has already held a wide range of roles at Celtic Park in recent years, and that could potentially see him progress to becoming a leading figure for the club this summer.

Maloney has been viewed as an outside candidate to take the manager’s job in recent weeks, but it is now clear that his intentions lie elsewhere.

Roberto Martinez appointment to ‘heal the division’

Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness recently told Football Insider that a move for Roberto Martinez would have a unifying effect at Celtic, but would require the board to “push the boat” out for their next appointment.

The Scottish businessman suggested that it would be worth the club making a significant financial commitment to get the Spaniard, in order to give the whole club a lift ahead of next season.

Wyness made it clear that he thinks a move for the former Everton boss would help to “heal the division” that has emerged between the club hierarchy and the fans this term.

He also added that Martinez would likely be a good fit at Celtic, and his pedigree at the top level of football could be a game-changer for the Bhoys if they could secure his services.