Former Leeds United forward Robbie Keane is “reportedly in the frame” to replace Brendan Rodgers at Celtic, after the former Liverpool manager’s shock exit.
Brendan Rodgers made a surprise exit from Celtic, handing in his resignation with the club sitting second in the Scottish Premiership table, with Martin O’Neill taking over on an interim basis.
The race is now on to replace Rodgers, who was targeted by Leeds in 2023, with several high-profile names, including former Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou in the frame.
Former Leeds icon Robbie Keane has enjoyed a strong start to his managerial career in Europe, recently steering his Ferencvaros side to a famous win over Red Bull Salzburg.
Now, the former Premier League forward could be in the frame for a significant step up in his managerial career, after being linked with a move to Celtic Park.
Robbie Keane speaks ahead of EL KRC GENK VS FERENCVAROS PREPARATIONS
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Robbie Keane ‘in the frame’ for Celtic job
According to a report by the BBC, Keane is one of the names reportedly being considered to replace Rodgers at the Scottish giants.
Keane enjoyed a short spell at Celtic Park as a player, joining the club on loan in 2010, eight years after leaving Leeds to join Tottenham Hotspur. According to the report, Keane is one of the favourites for the role.
“The former Tottenham Hotspur striker is among the favourites for the role,” the BBC reports. “Since calling it a day on his playing career, the Irishman immediately dived into the world of management.
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“Starting off as a player-coach with Indian side ATK, Keane then spent a season with Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv and as of January of this year, has been in charge of Hungarian club, Ferencvaros.”
Robbie Keane reacts during FC Salzburg v Ferencvarosi TC - UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3
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Former Leeds United favourite preparing for Rangers meeting
Regardless of whether he returns to Celtic, Keane will face their arch-rivals this season in the Europa League.
Keane’s Ferencvaros side are due to face Rangers in the European competition on 11th December 2025, with the side from Glasgow travelling to Hungary for the meeting.
Having already pulled off a surprise win over Salzburg, Keane will be aiming to claim an even bigger scalp to give his side a chance of progressing from the group stage.
However, it is not clear whether he will still be at the club by then, if Celtic’s interest moves from the gossip columns into reality.