Robbie Keane is ready to step out of the shadows and into the managerial limelight

Robbie Keane is laying the foundations to make a significant leap in management with a move to the Premier League. 

On Monday, it was revealed that the Irishman has applied for the vacant job at rock-bottom Wolves after they sacked Vitor Pereira at the weekend.

Days prior, his odds shortened dramatically for the vacant Celtic job, which is a clear indication that he feels ready for the next step in his managerial career.

Keane has been happy to quietly go about his business up to now.

Currently the manager of the Hungarian side Ferencváros, Keane’s silverware collection has been growing over the years. He won the league last season, albeit it was the club’s eighth consecutive title, which highlights their domestic dominance.

During his 12-month spell with Maccabi Tel Aviv, he won the league and cup double for the first time in five years, having ensured an impressive 73% win ratio.

Is Robbie Keane ready to manage in the Premier League?

Earlier this year, Keane was asked about a potential return to England, in which he said: “I’m taking a different route from everybody else. I’m not scared to go abroad and learn the trade with two top teams.

“Eventually, of course, at some stage, but I’m really enjoying it at the moment.”

If reports suggesting he has applied for the Wolves job are true, then it’s highly intriguing as to where he sees his current ability.

Wolves look as good as doomed, having yet to win in the league this season. On that basis, Keane could have little to lose.

He steps into a club which have little expectations about staying in the top flight, but if he manages to keep them up, he will be seen as a miracle worker.

Once managers step into the Premier League, their previous reputation begins to mean very little. Just ask Graham Potter.

Keane’s decision to gain his experience abroad and step out of his comfort zone certainly shouldn’t be overlooked. It shows he was prepared to put in the hard graft to succeed by learning a different way of life.

It can only have enhanced his tactical knowledge both on the field and off it.

Also, his experience managing in European competitions is another string to his bow. Ferencváros are currently undefeated in their Europa League campaign, pulling off an impressive victory away from home against Red Bull Salzburg in their last outing.

It doesn’t appear as though Wolves are ready to take a punt on him as their main man just yet.

Gary O’Neil is the current favourite to make a return to Molineux, while Erik ten Hag and Rob Edwards are although thought to be on the shortlist.

Former #Wolves striker Robbie Keane has reportedly put his name forward for the club’s head coach vacancy.

However, it’s thought that the current Ferencváros head coach isn’t a leading candidate for now.

@JacobsBen via @talkSPORT | #WWFC pic.twitter.com/2aePdM9o7I

— Talking Wolves (@TalkingWolves) November 3, 2025

Who will Keane manage next?

In the summer, Keane reportedly turned down the chance to manage Middlesbrough, replacing Michael Carrick at the Teesside club.

The reasons for that are unknown, but the 45-year-old may be looking back in hindsight at that decision as a mistake, given their impressive league form under Edwards.

It’s also evidence that Keane sees himself as a Premier League manager with silverware to his name.

Ferencváros are expected to win the league title once again, but they currently sit in fourth, three points adrift of the top.

Keane’s managerial career began when he was appointed player-manager of Greek side ATK for three games. He then plied his trade as an assistant with Mick McCarthy at the Republic of Ireland and at Middlesbrough.

He later joined the coaching staff at Leeds in the Premier League under Sam Allardyce; however, they both left following their relegation to the Championship in 2023.

Keane enjoyed a highly decorated career as a player and remains the Republic of Ireland’s record goalscorer and cap holder.

That cannot be ignored, and it may not be long before we see Keane back in the Premier League.