Former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is in advanced discussions to become the new head coach of Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah. The move would mark a swift return to management for the 52-year-old, who departed Celtic Park in October.
Rodgers, who has previously managed Liverpool and Leicester City, is understood to be close to agreeing a long-term deal with the club, which is owned by the state oil company Aramco. His arrival would follow the recent dismissal of the team’s Spanish coach, Michel.
This opportunity represents a significant career shift for Rodgers, who had declined a previous approach from the Saudi league after leaving Leicester in 2023. His second stint at Celtic ended acrimoniously, despite delivering consecutive Scottish Premiership titles, amid reported frustrations over the club’s transfer strategy.
Rodgers’ exit from Glasgow triggered a period of instability for the Scottish champions. His immediate successor, Martin O’Neill, who served as caretaker manager, has since revealed he would have remained in the position if asked by the club’s hierarchy. Instead, the permanent role was given to Wilfried Nancy.
Nancy’s tenure has begun under intense pressure, with three consecutive defeats, including a loss in the League Cup final. In response to the criticism, O’Neill has publicly advocated for patience, drawing on his own early struggles at Leicester City to argue that managers need time to implement their ideas and win over both players and supporters.
“Managers must be given a chance,” O’Neill stated. “You look to the experienced players within the squad, you build those relationships, and you work to turn things around. It’s a situation that can certainly be recovered.”
If finalized, Rodgers’ appointment at Al-Qadsiah would see him join the growing contingent of high-profile managers and players in the ambitious Saudi Pro League.