Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy has highlighted that any potential January transfer window signings must not only possess technical quality but also the right personality to thrive at Parkhead. Speaking ahead of Celtic’s trip to Livingston, Nancy emphasized that resilience, attitude, and leadership on and off the pitch are critical factors in recruitment.

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Personality as a Key Factor in Recruitment

Nancy, who took charge at Celtic following a challenging start, believes the January window offers an opportunity to strengthen his squad—but with careful consideration.

“We have a lot of ability in terms of the way we play,” Nancy said.
“It is important that when you sign players, they need to have personality. This is a big club. To play here is not always easy. It is so, so important to have players who can play here at a club like this.”

The Celtic boss stressed that technical ability alone is not sufficient. Instead, he wants players who can handle the pressures of playing for one of Scotland’s biggest clubs and who will contribute both on the pitch and to the squad culture.

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Role Models: Kieran Tierney and Callum McGregor

Nancy pointed to Scotland defender Kieran Tierney and Celtic captain Callum McGregor as examples of the type of personality he wants to build around:

“Everybody knows Kieran. I knew him before I came here. He’s an important player for us. There are different kinds of personalities. Kieran is not a vocal leader but shows on the pitch.
Callum also shows on the pitch but he’s a vocal leader too.”

Nancy elaborated that personality is about more than being vocal:

“When I talk about personalities, it’s not only to be vocal, it’s to have the right attitude when it is difficult. This means when we attack, can we keep showing ourselves for each other, can we still press, or can we defend like crazy in the moment? It’s more about the attitude for me. This is what I am looking for.”

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Preparing for the January Transfer Window

As Celtic prepare for the second half of the season, Nancy’s comments underline the club’s strategy: to sign players with the right mindset who can handle the expectations of Celtic supporters and the pressures of Scottish Premiership football.

The manager’s emphasis on personality suggests Celtic will focus not just on talent, but also on mental toughness, work ethic, and leadership qualities when considering new additions to the squad.