- Robbie Keane is poised to take over as the new head coach of Ferencvaros
- Keane has been out of management since quitting Maccabi Tel Aviv last June
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Robbie Keane is poised to return to football and take over as the new head coach of Hungarian champions Ferencvaros, according to reports in Budapest.
Hugarian news outlet, Csakfoci, have stated the club has reached a final agreement with the former Republic of Ireland international.
It is believed his official appointment could be announced as early as Tuesday before linking up with the squad later in the week.
Keane’s name was first linked to Ferencvaros during the summer, when negotiations between the two parties began.
However, the club ultimately opted to hire Pascal Jansen for the role – but he has since been ‘bought out of his contract’.
Now, after several months of speculation, it appears Fradi has resolved the coaching situation, and Keane is set to return to management.
Robbie Keane is poised to return to football and take over as the new head coach of Hungarian champions Ferencvaros, according to reports in Budapest
Keane departed Maccabi Tel Aviv in the summer of 2024 after 53 appearances, and has since been without a managerial role.
As it stands, the Hungarian side are currently on their winter break. However, they are back in friendly action this week.
Ferencvaros are treating the fixture as vital preparation ahead of the resumption of the Europa League group phase next week.
The club are pushing towards the knockout stages of the competition, with just two group games remaining.
However, they will need get the job done against both Eintracht Frankfurt and AZ Alkmaar to secure fate.
Keane’s arrival is expected to bring a boost of energy to the team, as they aim for a strong push towards European success in the second half of the season.
The 146-time capped Irish football legend has an illustrious playing career, having represented top clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United, and Liverpool.
His experience on the pitch, coupled with his leadership qualities, has made him a prominent figure in football both in Ireland and abroad.
After retiring, Keane transitioned into coaching. He began as an assistant to the Irish national team, before moving on to a coaching role at Middlesbrough in 2018.
Keane’s (pictured as Assistant Manager of Republic of Ireland) time in Israel was not without controversy, particularly in Ireland, where his stint at the club stirred debate
In 2023, he briefly worked with Sam Allardyce at Leeds United, before taking up a managerial position at Maccabi Tel Aviv.
There, he led the team to a league title and advanced to the Round of 16 in the Conference League, where they were ultimately eliminated by Olympiakos.
Keane departed Maccabi Tel Aviv in the summer of 2024 after 53 appearances, and has since been without a managerial role.
His time in Israel was not without controversy, particularly in Ireland, where his stint at the club stirred debate among the media and fans alike.
Despite the mixed reception, Keane’s appointment at Ferencvaros signals an exciting new chapter in his managerial career.
With everything reportedly in place, Keane is expected to arrive in Budapest by Tuesday and the fans can look forward to an official announcement in the coming days.
