Brendan Rodgers set for money-spinning dugout return just weeks after Celtic exit as ex-Rangers chief swoops

According to multiple reports, Rodgers is in advanced negotiations with Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah after they parted company with their Spanish coach Michel Gonzalez over the weekend .

Rodgers, 52, resigned from his position as Celtic manager on October 27 in the wake of a 3-1 defeat by Hearts. It brought to an end his second spell in charge of the Glasgow club, where he won four trophies - including two Premiership titles.

The Northern Irishman has taken a break away from football management since leaving Celtic despite being linked with vacancies at Nottingham Forest and other clubs in the Middle East. His stock remains high after his first spell at Celtic between 2016 and 2019, where he won seven trophies, and time at Swansea City, Liverpool and Leicester City.

Al-Qadsiah are based in the Saudi Arabian city of Khobar and sit fifth in the Pro League on 17 points, ten behind leaders Al-Nassr. Their squad contains a smattering of European players such as Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels - once linked with a move to Celtic - Spanish defender Nacho Fernandez, Portuguese midfielder Otavio and German playmaker Julian Weigl.

Rodgers was courted by rich clubs in Saudi Arabia prior to his Celtic return in 2023. He has always held a desire to coach abroad and a move to the Gulf is now in the pipeline after Al-Qadsiah made their move for him. They are owned by oil company Saudi Aramco, who are understood to have made Rodgers a significant offer to take over as head coach. Their chief executive is James Bisgrove, who joined them from Rangers last year.

Celtic replaced Rodgers with another former boss in Martin O’Neill as their caretaker. The 73-year-old won seven of his eight games in charge before vacating the hotseat for Wilfried Nancy, a Frenchman who has come in on a permanent contract from MLS outfit Columbus Crew.

Nancy’s start as Celtic boss has been underwhelming, losing his first three matches in charge - including Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup final against St Mirren at Hampden Park.