Wilfried Nancy already knows the perfect Daizen Maeda replacement he could bring to Celtic

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Wilfried Nancy still looks like the favourite to become the Celtic manager.

Despite Columbus Crew saying that no club have approached Nancy, the Frenchman appears to be in pole position.

Celtic have confirmed that Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney will be in charge against St Mirren on Saturday as talks continue with prospective appointments.

If Nancy is to join, he will have several things to deal with, including the future of striker Daizen Maeda.

Reports have suggested that Maeda could leave in January, meaning that a replacement may need to be found.

Luckily, there is one he knows very well.

• READ MORE: Michael Gannon reveals four key backroom people Wilfried Nancy wants at Celtic

Wilfried Nancy should bring Diego Rossi to Celtic

Viewers of the MLS will know that there are few strikers more prolific than Diego Rossi.

Having first burst on the scene at LAFC, Rossi has been a lethal talisman for Nancy at Columbus.

His 19 goals in 37 appearances this season capped off another memorable campaign following on from the 21 the forward scored in his first full season.

Rossi has experience of playing in Europe when he had a brief spell at Fenerbahce, but would return better-prepared.

Nancy knows how to get the best out of him, and from his verdict, it sounds like he would be the perfect replacement for Maeda having described him as a hard worker.

He told the MLS website in August 2025: “He has the best work ethic on the team. I’m really happy for him because he deserved it tonight.”

Diego Rossi vs Daizen Maeda compared

Both players have very impressive goal records, and seem pretty equal in terms of their style of play.

Celtic fans are used to seeing tireless workhorses up front, blessed with pace and an eye for goal.

Consistency is key and that is something that can’t be argued about when it comes to Rossi’s record.

Both have played a similar number of games over their career, with the Uruguayan coming out ever so slightly on top.

There isn’t much in it, but it is clear that Rossi would be a great like-for-like replacement and should be a priority for Nancy if he comes to Celtic.