Celtic’s next manager favourite Robbie Keane has departed for South Korea despite being in the middle of talks to become the new Parkhead boss.
Keane is set to play for a Liverpool legends side against Barcelona on Saturday after holding what sources described as “constructive talks” with Celtic supremo Dermot Desmond.
The Republic of Ireland icon is locked in a two-horse race with Martin O’Neill to land the coveted managerial role at Celtic Park.
O’Neill, aged 74, remains in contention for an alternative role at the club if he does not secure the top job, weeks after delivering an improbable double for the Glasgow side.
Celtic’s title win also denied Hearts their first championship in 66 years, adding further weight to the significance of whoever takes charge of the club going forward.
Keane’s candidacy has not been without controversy, drawing resistance from a section of the Celtic support over his time spent managing in Israel.
Both Keane and Desmond were called out in an X-rated banner displayed outside Parkhead on Wednesday, underscoring the tensions surrounding the 45-year-old’s potential appointment.
Keane will link up with close friend Steven Gerrard in South Korea for the legends match, which features star-studded names including Andres Iniesta, Rivaldo, and Carles Puyol.
The former Ferencvaros boss is seeking a fresh challenge after departing the Hungarian club, having failed to win their league title for the first time in five years during his tenure there.
It remains unclear whether Keane’s globe-spanning trip will add urgency to the decision-making process or whether it will further delay the search for Celtic’s next permanent manager.
Celtic officials have yet to publicly confirm a timeline for the appointment, leaving supporters and observers in a state of continued uncertainty over who will lead the club next season.
The coming days are expected to be decisive, with Keane’s return from South Korea likely to trigger the final stages of a managerial search that has already generated considerable debate.
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