Celtic have reportedly made an approach to Chelsea as they look to strengthen their backroom staff in the wake of Brendan Rodgers’ departure.
According to The 42, the Scottish champions have requested permission to speak with Chelsea U21 head coach Calum McFarlane about joining the coaching team at Parkhead.
It comes after a major shake-up behind the scenes, with John Kennedy, Adam Sadler, Jack Lyons, and Glen Driscoll all leaving the club alongside Rodgers.
Kennedy’s exit, in particular, ends a near 30-year association with Celtic in playing and coaching roles.
McFarlane, 39, is seen as a rising star within Chelsea’s coaching setup. He began his career at Manchester City, later working with Southampton, before joining Chelsea in July 2024 as part of the club’s multi-club development model.
The report claims that Chelsea have reluctantly granted permission for McFarlane to discuss his future with Celtic, though talks have yet to take place.
Celtic are currently being led by Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney on an interim basis, but the club’s hierarchy appear keen to move quickly to rebuild the coaching structure and prepare for the appointment of a permanent manager.
McFarlane’s reputation for developing young talent and his experience should within elite academy systems would align with Celtic’s long-term ambitions, suggesting the club are already planning for stability beyond the immediate upheaval of Rodgers’ exit.
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