Brendan Rodgers is not expected to return to Celtic, according to journalist Stephen McGowan.
Despite strong rumours linking Rodgers with a return to the Scottish club, McGowan, who has a reliable track record on Celtic-related news, reports that Rodgers is not on the shortlist of potential candidates.
Instead, the Daily Mail journo gave four names who are in the running to become the next Celtic boss.
Rodgers departed Leicester City in early April, but it seems that a return to Scotland is not currently on his agenda as he contemplates his next career move. Reports suggest that the manager is keen to take a break from the game, after a tough year in the Premier League.
While there has been no official statement from Celtic or Tottenham Hotspur regarding the future of current Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou, it appears increasingly likely that a deal will be finalised soon, with Celtic expected to receive compensation.
In an update in the Daily Mail, McGowan writes:
“An early bookmakers’ favourite, Brendan Rodgers will not be returning to the club where he enjoyed huge success before walking out for Leicester City in February 2019.
“Manchester City assistant manager Enzo Maresca will come under consideration after Saturday’s Champions League final.
“Kjetil Knutsen led unfancied Norwegians Bodo/Glimt to a thumping 5-1 aggregate win over Celtic in the Europa Conference League last year, but is also a target for Dutch giants Ajax.
“West Ham boss David Moyes was interviewed for the post before Rodgers took control in 2016 and could come back into the running if he leaves the Hammers after tomorrow night’s Europa Conference League final.
“Former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch, who was heavily linked with the Celtic post prior to Postecoglou’s appointment in 2021, is another name in the frame.”
The list of potential successors has a distinctly contemporary feel, with the exception of Kjetil Knutsen. Following Neil Lennon’s departure from Celtic in February 2021, it was Peter Lawwell who found a successor. Now, the responsibility falls to his successor, Michael Nicholson, to secure a high-calibre appointment ready to build on the foundations laid by Postecoglou.
