National World Top Stories Update Sunday 14 December, 2025
Brendan Rodgers is close to a return to management - just six weeks after his dramatic Celtic exit.
Relations had been strained for months, largely over last summer’s transfer business. That frustration spilled into public view when Rodgers compared his squad to Honda Civics being sent out to race Ferraris following a 2–0 loss to Dundee.
Brendan Rodgers quit Celtic in spectacular fashion earlier this season.placeholder image
Brendan Rodgers quit Celtic in spectacular fashion earlier this season. | Getty Images
On the night he quit, principal shareholder Dermot Desmond issued a strongly worded statement accusing Rodgers of “creating a toxic atmosphere” at the club.
Since leaving Glasgow, Rodgers has been linked with several jobs in England, including Nottingham Forest. But his next move now looks set to take him to Saudi Arabia.
He is understood to have agreed a deal to take charge of Al-Qadsiah, replacing former Real Madrid midfielder Michel Gonzalez, who was sacked on Sunday. The Saudi side sit fifth in the table after nine games, ten points behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.
Rodgers’ two spells at Celtic were hugely successful on the pitch, but both ended in controversy.
He first left in February 2019 while on course for a historic third straight Treble, choosing instead to join Leicester City. The timing of that exit sparked fury among Celtic supporters, who felt betrayed.
Rodgers returned in the summer of 2023 as Ange Postecoglou’s successor, insisting he would see out his three-year contract. That deal was due to run until next summer.
He delivered league titles in his first two seasons back, along with a Scottish Cup in year one and a League Cup in year two. But cracks began to show last season.
Celtic lost the Scottish Cup final to Aberdeen, struggled in the transfer market, slipped behind Hearts in the league, and exited the Champions League at the play-off stage against Kairat Almaty.
The breaking point came after a 3–1 defeat to Hearts in October. Rodgers resigned shortly afterwards, bringing his second Celtic spell to a definitive end.
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