Updated: 22 May 2026 14:39 BST |
4 min read
Robbie Keane looks set to quit his role as Ferencvaros manager amid interest from his former club Celtic.
After winning the Premiership in dramatic fashion, the Hoops are gearing up for a monumental summer transfer window. Despite the silverware, it was, on the whole, a disappointing season for Celtic, and there is bound to be a reckoning with plenty of personnel turnover.
Besides transfers, though, the number one priority for the Parkhead club is finding a new permanent manager. 74-year-old legend Martin O’Neill will return to his well-earned retirement, and a long-term replacement will have to be found.
One potential option is already off the table. Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou has been announced as the new Toulouse head coach after his remarkable season with the Steelmen. The Dane was believed to be a leading contender for the Celtic job.
Now, some interesting news is emerging from Hungary. First reported in a fan group and since confirmed by major local outlets such as m4sport.hu, former Celtic striker Robbie Keane is set to quit his job as manager of Ferencvaros.
Keane available – but is he really off to Celtic?
The 45-year-old was already in contention for the Celtic gig earlier in the season, following the resignation of Brendan Rodgers and then again in the wake of Wilfried Nancy’s sacking after his disastrous 33-day tenure over the winter.
Keane is now again being linked with the Hoops, so the news of his availability will have put the club on red alert. The former Republic of Ireland star recently admitted that, despite some positives, it was a disappointing season for Ferencvaros after they were pipped to the NB I title by Gyor.
Keane won the league with Fradi last year and the Hungarian cup this year. His side also impressed in the Europa League this season, earning him a contract extension in December. The former striker seemed to be in it for the long haul.
Just last week, Keane said: “I ignore the rumours, only my two children read them. I feel good here, it’s an excellent club, with excellent people, an excellent president. After a few weeks off, I’m coming back even more determined.”
However, he is now set to quit, and his destination could be a surprising one. Instead of Glasgow, rumours suggest that the 45-year-old could be travelling up the Danube to take charge of Slovan Bratislava.
The club’s CEO, Ivan Kmotrik, has already confirmed that Keane is of interest to the Slovak giants, though he insisted that nothing was set in stone and that the Irishman is one of up to five names under consideration. Former Man City superstar Yaya Toure is also being eyed by Slovan.
With Ferencvaros yet to confirm Keane’s departure, it ultimately remains to be seen whether he will indeed end up in Slovakia or return to Celtic after all.
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