Celtic edge closer to new manager after huge Robbie Keane boost

Cameron Smith

30 Mar 2026 10:01 BST
4 min read

Celtic have been handed a boost in their bid to appoint Robbie Keane as their next permanent manager this summer.

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The 45-year-old scored 16 goals in just 19 games during a fruitful four-month loan spell at Celtic Park in 2010 and he has been heavily tipped to take over from interim boss Martin O’Neill following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.

Keane has been in charge of Hungarian side Ferencvaros since January 2025 and with 44 wins in 73 matches in charge, he has been earmarked as a target by the Celtic hierarchy.

The ex-Republic of Ireland striker has also been linked with the vacant job at fellow former club Tottenham Hotspur, with the north London outfit on the hunt for their third manager of the season following the departure of Igor Tudor by mutual consent.

However, it has been reported that Roberto De Zerbi is Spurs’ top candidate for the job, while they are also interested in hiring Sean Dyche on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

As a result, a move for Keane seems unlikely, meaning Celtic could have a free run at appointing the 45-year-old this summer.

Does Robbie Keane want the Celtic job?

Keane was heavily linked with the Celtic job before the disastrous appointment of Wilfried Nancy last year, but he downplayed reports of a move to the Hoops when asked by reporters back in December.

“I can't help speculation. My mind is here, I'm very happy. It's been a successful year, we won the league last year, we're doing well in Europe now, top of the league so I'm really enjoying it here,” Keane admitted.

“There are good people here. Sir Alex Ferguson always said to me: ‘Go to a club with good people’ and this club is very well run. I couldn't be happier here.

“You can never say never in football, though. I'm one of those guys who can never think too far ahead. I have to concentrate on what I do here because if you take your eye off the ball, you start losing games and you lose your job.”

However, he remains one of the top candidates to become the new Celtic manager when O’Neill steps down this summer.

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