Robbie Keane’s interesting managerial career is set to take another twist this week with the Leeds United icon about to sign on the dotted line at a European outfit.
Even before retiring, Robbie Keane began his managerial career as player-manager at Indian side ATK. He the held assistant roles at Ireland, Middlesbrough and Leeds United for four games under Sam Allardyce.
Leaving Leeds after relegation in the summer of 2023, Keane made the shock move to go and manage Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel. Keane helped now-Leeds target Dor Turgeman blossom, netting 11 goals.
Winning 41 of 56 matches as Tel Aviv manager and the League title, Keane left in the summer and has been out of work since. But now, Fabrizio Romano gives an update with Keane set to sign for a new side.
Robbie Keane is set to take over at Hungarian side Ferencvaros
Keane will now have the chance to secure a second league title in two seasons as Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Leeds icon is set for a new challenge in Hungary, with domestic giants Ferencvaros.
Ferencvaros currently sit second in Hungary’s top tier, Nemzeti Bajnokság I. They sit just one point off leaders Puskas Academia, and Keane is set to sign on this week to replace departing boss Pascal Jansen.
Jansen has left the club to take over at New York City in the MLS. The move will see Keane take on his third managerial role, and a squad that includes former Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita who is on loan.
Robbie Keane’s numbers at Leeds United were underrated
Keane only spent 18 months at Leeds, initially joining the club on loan in December 2000. Leeds then agreed a permanent fee with Inter Milan that would see The Whites pay a total of £12m to the Nerrazzuri.
He clocked up 56 appearances for Leeds in all competitions during that period, scoring 19 goals in total. By the start of the 02-03 term, the financial issues had begun and Keane was sold to Tottenham for £7m.
Keane has since spoken about his time at Leeds, telling Rio Ferdinand of how he scored a hat-trick at Bolton on Boxing Day in 2001 while carrying a penny. Now, he’s set for a spell in Hungary, of all places.
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