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Robbie Keane has hinted he could leave his role at Ferencvárosi TC in the near future. The 45-year-old has been in charge since January 2025 and has impressed in Budapest, attracting interest from several clubs, including former side Celtic.
Celtic are currently managed by Martin O’Neill, whose short-term deal expires this summer. Keane, who guided Ferencváros to a record 36th league title last season, has admitted he has ambitions to manage at a higher level.
His side remain on course for a domestic double and reached the Europa League last 16. Keane said on Nicky Byrne HQ podcast: “I have ambitions, and everyone wants to get to the highest possible level they can. I’m very lucky that I’m at a top club in Ferencvaros. Of course, there are other bigger clubs, we all know that.
“Ferencvaros is a top team in Europe, and that’s why I went there. I am at a high level in terms of what I am doing and what we achieved in the Europa League.
“I am already at a big club, but if I don’t have ambitions to go to the highest level, I might as well stop. “If I don’t believe I can get to the top, there’s no point being a manager. Don’t always think that, ‘You are happy to stay here’, even though you could stay for 20 years.
“Always think you can reach even higher, because that drives you on, that makes you a better manager. “I always have to believe I can go to the very top and win a lot of trophies. If I don’t, I won’t do it.”
Keane scored 16 goals in 19 appearances during a loan spell at Celtic from Tottenham Hotspur in 2010 and previously suggested he could return to the club in the future. Keane signed a new contract at Ferencvárosi in December last year.
He is also reportedly a candidate to replace Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace, with Glasner expected to leave Selhurst Park at the end of the season. Oliver Glasner guided the Eagles to their first major trophy last season with a famous 1–0 FA Cup final win over Manchester City.
He followed that success by masterminding a Community Shield victory over Liverpool in August. Keane was also previously linked with the Tottenham job before Roberto De Zerbi was appointed on a five-year deal.
During his playing career, Keane also represented Liverpool, joining from Spurs in 2008. His time at Anfield was brief, with goals coming against PSV Eindhoven, Atlético Madrid, Arsenal FC, West Bromwich Albion and Bolton Wanderers before returning to Spurs midway through the 2008–09 season.
Having previously represented Wolverhampton Wanderers, Coventry City, Inter Milan and Leeds United, Keane went on to play for Celtic, West Ham United, LA Galaxy, Aston Villa and ATK.
