Xabi Alonso’s odds of becoming Celtic manager revealed after confirmed news
Celtic could soon be on the hunt for a new manager once again.
Martin O’Neill has only been given the job until the end of the season as he looks to clean up Wilfried Nancy’s mess.
Football Insider recently revealed that O’Neill is unlikely to be in the Celtic dugout next season, meaning yet another appointment will be needed.
As a result, multiple managers have been linked to the Celtic post in recent weeks. However, one potential outsider is Xabi Alonso.
Xabi Alonso considered outsider for Celtic job
On Monday, Alonso parted with Real Madrid via mutual consent as his short spell back in the Spanish capital ended.
Madrid’s 3-2 defeat against Barcelona in the Super Cup proved to be the final straw, with the side already four points behind their Catalan rivals in La Liga.
Nevertheless, the manager is still highly rated thanks to his work at Bayer Leverkusen, where he guided the club to a Bundesliga title unbeaten in the 2023-24 campaign.
As a result, he has been heavily linked with a move back to the UK, with Alonso one of the favourites to come in at Liverpool if Arne Slot is sacked.
Official Announcement: Xabi Alonso.
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 12, 2026
However, one bookmaker has also made the Spaniard an outsider for the Celtic job.
As it stands, the Hoops are 50/1 to be Alonso’s next club as he searches for a route back into the dugout.
Who are the current favourites to be Celtic manager next season?
Currently, the favourite to be in the Celtic dugout next season is O’Neill at 11/8.
Despite the speculation that he may leave the Hoops in the summer, the bookies believe there is a good chance he will stay.
Following this is Roberto Martinez and Shaun Maloney at 3/1 and 8/1.
Martinez was the former favourite for the role after the odds were shockingly slashed. However, these have now begun to drift.
Ange Postecoglou and Craig Bellamy are both considered outsiders for the role at 12/1.
Both coaches have been at Celtic previously, whether it be as a manager or a player.
However, it remains to be seen if the Hoops are willing to bring back another former figure to sit in the dugout next season.