“HUGE UPDATE!” – Celtic’s SHOCK decision on £5m Kieran McKenna deal REVEALED!

Celtic Continue Managerial Search as Kieran McKenna Emerges as Leading Candidate

Celtic’s hunt for a new permanent manager continues, with several names under consideration to replace Brendan Rodgers at Parkhead.

Rodgers resigned in dramatic fashion following the 3–1 defeat to Hearts, reportedly due to growing frustration with the club’s boardroom decisions.

In response, Martin O’Neill was appointed as interim boss and has enjoyed a promising start — but there is widespread belief within the club that a long-term appointment must be made soon.

Among the potential candidates, Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has emerged as a serious contender alongside the likes of Ange Postecoglou, Craig Bellamy, and Kjetil Knutsen.

McKenna’s £5m Release Clause

According to Football Insider (31 October), McKenna is open to joining Celtic, viewing the Scottish giants as an appealing next step in his career.

However, any deal would come at a cost. Celtic would need to pay a significant compensation fee — reportedly around £5 million — to release McKenna from his Ipswich contract.

Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, it was explained that Ipswich are reluctant to part ways with their manager, who is under a long-term deal at Portman Road:

“Ipswich don’t want to lose him. He’s tied to a lengthy contract, so it would take around £5 million to bring him to Glasgow — a big commitment, and it’s unclear if Celtic are willing to go that far.”

Despite the financial hurdle, McKenna’s reputation as one of the most promising young managers in British football makes him a perfect fit for what Celtic are looking for.

“He’s highly regarded, ambitious, and fits the club’s profile. Landing him would be a major coup for Celtic,” the report added.

McKenna’s name has also been linked to Premier League jobs at West Ham, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester United, further highlighting his growing status.

Other Candidates: Postecoglou and O’Neill

Former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has also been mentioned, but Football Insider reports he plans to take a break from management following his departure from Nottingham Forest and is not expected to return immediately.

That has left Celtic exploring other options, though interim boss Martin O’Neill remains in contention for a permanent appointment if his current spell proves successful.

The 73-year-old last managed full-time at Nottingham Forest in 2019, but sources say he is rejuvenated by his return to Celtic and is open to staying beyond his interim role.

For the latest Celtic updates and exclusive stories, follow Football Insider on Facebook or join their WhatsApp channel for instant news alerts.