Report: Former Liverpool star favourite to become Celtic manager | OneFootball

Robbie Keane Emerges as Leading Candidate for Celtic Job After Liverpool Past

Celtic search for new leadership

Celtic’s managerial future is once again under the microscope as the club weigh their options for the dugout ahead of next season. After a turbulent campaign marked by change and uncertainty, Robbie Keane has emerged as the leading contender to take charge at Celtic Park.

The Irishman, remembered by many supporters for his prolific playing career and his brief spell at Liverpool, is now being strongly linked with a move into Scottish football management. According to reporting from The Guardian, Celtic have “set sights on Robbie Keane to succeed Martin O’Neill as manager”, with the club planning wider structural changes to their football operations this summer.

The situation in Glasgow has been far from straightforward. Brendan Rodgers began the season in charge before departing in controversial circumstances. Wilfried Nancy was then appointed but lasted only eight games, overseeing just two wins before the club acted decisively.

Veteran manager Martin O’Neill returned on a short-term deal in January for a third stint in the role, steadying the ship during a difficult period. At 74, O’Neill was brought in to restore calm and competitiveness, and he has done exactly that, guiding Celtic back into the Scottish Premiership title race alongside Rangers and Hearts.

However, his appointment was always intended as temporary, with the club expected to appoint a long-term successor in the summer.

Robbie Keane’s rise in management

Robbie Keane’s credentials as a manager have grown steadily since he moved into coaching after retirement. While many fans remember him as a relentless goalscorer, his managerial work has quietly built a reputation across European football.

After gaining experience as part of Ireland’s coaching staff, Keane stepped into club management and quickly made an impression. He guided Maccabi Tel Aviv to the Israeli league title in his only full season at the helm, showcasing a proactive style built around attacking football and disciplined organisation.

His success did not stop there. At Hungarian side Ferencvaros, Keane has continued to deliver results, leading the club to a league title last season. The Hungarian champions remain competitive domestically and are still involved in European competition, further strengthening his managerial profile.

This upward trajectory has not gone unnoticed. Celtic’s hierarchy are understood to be impressed by Keane’s progress and believe his ambitions align with their own desire to rebuild and modernise the club’s football structure.

Liverpool memories still shape Keane’s story

For many supporters across Britain, Robbie Keane’s name still carries echoes of his playing days, particularly his time at Liverpool.

The striker joined Liverpool from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2008 in a move that generated considerable excitement. Fans anticipated a dangerous partnership between Keane and Fernando Torres, hoping the Irish forward’s creativity and instinctive finishing would complement Liverpool’s attacking threat.

His time at Anfield, however, proved shorter than expected. Competition for places under Rafael Benitez was fierce, and Keane struggled to cement a regular starting role. He did manage to score his first Liverpool goal in a Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven, but the partnership that many supporters had imagined never quite flourished.

By the midway point of the 2008–09 season he had returned to Tottenham, bringing an abrupt end to his Liverpool chapter. Despite the brief spell, his name remains firmly linked with the club due to his stature in the Premier League and his broader career across Europe and Major League Soccer.

Keane’s playing journey also included spells with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Coventry City, Internazionale, Leeds United, West Ham United, Aston Villa, Celtic, LA Galaxy and ATK, illustrating a career that stretched across continents.

Celtic project and competition for appointment

While Robbie Keane currently appears to be Celtic’s leading candidate, the appointment is far from guaranteed. Several other managers are being considered as the club weigh the direction they want to take.

Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou has caught attention with his impressive work in the Scottish Premiership. His progressive approach and ability to develop players have made him a respected figure, though some within Celtic’s leadership reportedly question whether he is ready for such a significant leap.

Craig Bellamy is another admired figure, yet his situation remains complicated due to Wales’ involvement in upcoming World Cup play-offs.

Celtic are also expected to conduct a major review of their squad and recruitment strategy during the summer window. Critics have pointed to inconsistent transfer decisions in recent seasons, and there is growing belief that a broader footballing reset is required.

If Keane were to take the role, he would inherit a club with enormous expectations but also significant opportunity. Celtic remain one of the biggest institutions in British football, and a successful appointment could restore stability after a year defined by upheaval.

For Robbie Keane, the prospect of returning to Glasgow—this time as manager rather than striker—would represent another fascinating chapter in a career that has continually evolved.