Coach Kieran McKenna of Ipswich Town F.C. discussed his plans about Celtic managerial connections that were made public in the wake of significant release clause rumors.

Celtic may have to pay a record amount to acquire Kieran McKenna, who has apparently emerged as a top contender to succeed Brendan Rodgers as manager.

According to sources, the Ipswich Town manager has joined the running for the Celtic position after Brendan Rodgers resigned on Monday night. Martin O’Neill has returned to Parkhead to assume temporary leadership in the interim.

After an outstanding tenure as Manchester United’s assistant manager, McKenna, 39, received a lot of recognition for leading Ipswich Town back to the Premier League in 2024. Despite putting on a number of promising displays in the top division, the Tractor Boys were demoted after just one season and now sit in 12th place in the Championship after winning just four of their first 11 games.

The BBC reports that McKenna has emerged as a desirable candidate for the Scottish champions, and that he would be open to talks about the role. Following Ipswich’s promotion, the Northern Irishman agreed to a four-year contract at Portman Road. According to The Sun, Celtic would have to pay up to £5 million in compensation to keep him on board, which might be the largest amount a Scottish team has ever spent for a manager.

Prior to the 2024–2025 campaign, McKenna stated that he was happy with his choice to stay in Ipswich despite acknowledging the increased interest in his work:

Since management is a brief career and other teams are constantly interested, it’s a necessary component of success. Although it’s appropriate to weigh your options, I’m rather pleased with the choice I chose.

I’m thrilled to have agreed to a new deal with Ipswich. Leading this team into its first Premier League season in 22 years was an enormous honor, and we’ve had amazing success together over the last two seasons. As we proceed on this trip, I’m looking forward to what lies ahead.

Following a loss to the Edinburgh club over the weekend, Celtic is already eight points behind league leaders Hearts, making it an immediate challenge for interim manager Martin O’Neill to turn the team around.

Following Rodgers’ departure, Dermot Desmond, a significant shareholder, released a strongly worded statement in which he acknowledged the “toxic atmosphere” that pervaded the club and called for togetherness as Celtic attempts to stabilize their season.