Breaking: Martin O’Neill agrees permanent Celtic deal as Stephen McGowan reveals contract twist

Martin O’Neill has reportedly agreed a deal to become Celtic’s permanent manager, with journalist Stephen McGowan revealing key details of the agreement following talks with the club hierarchy.

According to McGowan, the breakthrough came after O’Neill met controlling shareholder Dermot Desmond in London on Thursday evening, where terms were agreed on a one-year contract that also includes the option of an additional 12 months.

An official confirmation is now believed to be imminent, with a stock market announcement expected to formalise the appointment. Monday morning is widely viewed as the most likely timing for Celtic to make the news public.

McGowan reported via the Herald that O’Neill’s impressive work as interim boss ultimately convinced decision-makers to hand him the role permanently. During his latest spell in charge, the experienced manager guided Celtic to both the Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish Cup, strengthening his case for a long-term return.

The appointment also follows significant supporter unrest regarding the possibility of Robbie Keane landing the position after talks earlier in the week. Keane’s candidacy reportedly sparked a strong backlash among sections of the fanbase, while Wales manager Craig Bellamy was also considered during the search process.

If finalised as expected, this would represent O’Neill’s third managerial appointment at Celtic within the last 12 months.

The veteran coach initially stepped in as interim manager in late October before eventually making way for Wilfried Nancy. However, after Nancy endured a difficult and short-lived spell in charge, O’Neill was brought back in January to steady the ship once more.

What initially appeared to be a direct battle between O’Neill and Keane for the permanent role now seems to have swung firmly in the former’s favour.

Keane’s recent trip to South Korea for a Liverpool legends event was viewed by some as a sign his chances had faded, while O’Neill’s strong finish to the campaign helped strengthen his position internally.

Despite ending the season in impressive fashion — winning nine consecutive matches and restoring stability — O’Neill now faces a major rebuilding challenge at Parkhead.

Celtic’s January recruitment drive failed to deliver the desired impact, with several temporary additions returning to their parent clubs after underwhelming spells.

Attention will now quickly turn to strengthening the squad ahead of a demanding start to the new campaign, with the Scottish Premiership season beginning in early August and crucial Champions League play-off ties arriving later that month.

Those European qualifiers are expected to carry huge importance for Celtic after last season’s disappointment against Kairat Almaty at the same stage, a setback that triggered wider instability around the club.

O’Neill will be tasked not only with reclaiming domestic dominance but also building a squad capable of competing credibly in Europe.

For now, however, Celtic supporters appear set to get the managerial continuity many had hoped for, with the club turning to a familiar figure in search of stability following months of uncertainty.